Nana Patekar or Smit Machchhar? Row erupts over demands to name Vidyavihar flyover in Mumbai

A controversy has erupted over the proposed naming of the newly constructed East-West Vidyavihar bridge in Mumbai, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) demanding that the structure be named after actor Nana Patekar, days after BJP MLA Parag Shah sought to name it after Captain Smit Machchhar.

Sena (UBT) activists recently put up a banner on the bridge demanding that it be named ‘Padma Shri Nana Patekar Setu’. Earlier this week, a delegation from the party met Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and submitted a letter seeking the same.

Shah had earlier written to the authorities requesting that the bridge be named after Captain Machchhar, an Indian commercial pilot who was hailed internationally as a hero for thwarting a violent mid-air hijacking attempt on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight.


Despite repeated attempts, Tawde could not be reached for comment. Ganesh Khankar, leader of the house in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), however, accused Sena (UBT) of attempting to stir up a controversy to claim credit.

“Nana Patekar was one of the most talented actors in the country. I feel that it would be more fitting to name a large theatre or a theatre complex after him rather than a bridge,” Khankar said.

The naming dispute comes as the long-delayed 650-metre-long, two-lane Vidyavihar bridge awaits opening to traffic. Ghatkopar MLA Shah said the bridge could be opened at any time, as construction work has been completed.

According to a Times of India report, the Vidyavihar bridge is among three long-awaited infrastructure links in Mumbai that could open over the weekend. The other two are the Sion bridge and the Goregaon connector. Civic officials told the newspaper that the inauguration of all three structures was awaiting the availability of the chief minister and deputy chief minister.

The delay has drawn criticism from the Opposition, which has questioned the need to wait for a formal inauguration when the infrastructure is ready for use.

The Vidyavihar bridge connects Ramchandra Chemburkar Marg on the eastern side of Vidyavihar railway station with Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg on the western side in Ghatkopar.

The BMC said the structure includes a 100-metre section over railway tracks, with approach roads measuring 220 metres on the eastern side and 330 metres on the western side.

The project also includes access links to the station’s footpaths and the reconstruction of ticket booking offices, the station master’s office and staircases, according to the civic body.


(With inputs from PTI, TOI)