Even after seven years, the Diva railway flyover project, which was first estimated to cost ₹38.9 crore in 2019, has grown to over ₹70 crore. A great deal of taxpayer money has been misused as a result of the delay, which has been compounded by land disputes, inadequate planning, and administrative negligence.
The construction of the home platform at Diva station has also stalled. Commuters continue to suffer due to the repeated missteps and lack of coordination among concerned authorities. Angry commuter associations have strongly criticized the Railways, Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), Thane Municipal Corporation, and ruling government representatives. They allege that under the pretext of development, the authorities are exploiting land and inflating project costs, and have demanded immediate accountability and action against responsible officials.
The work order for the Diva flyover was issued in 2019 with a target of completing the project within 18 months. However, failure to address issues such as land acquisition, legal obstacles, and local opposition caused severe delays. As a result, inflation and mismanagement led to the doubling of project costs. Poor decision-making by railway authorities, lack of coordination, and agencies shirking responsibility have turned this project into a glaring example of government inefficiency.
Starting infrastructure work without 100% land acquisition reflects administrative apathy and flawed planning. The prolonged delay has put commuter lives at risk and continues to drain public funds. “We will no longer tolerate this negligence. The government must launch an immediate investigation and take strict action against those responsible,” Lata Argade, President of the Suburban Commuters Federation said to Sakal.
A single railway crossing has been affecting Central Railway services for years. Due to the delayed flyover, schoolchildren, working professionals, and senior citizens are suffering daily. “The government talks of ‘double-engine growth’, but here we’re facing ‘double delays’. This is not just Diva’s issue; it concerns the safety of lakhs of commuters. The Chief Minister must intervene immediately to ensure speedy completion of the project,” demanded Vandana Sonawane, President of Maharashtra Women Commuters Association.
Adv. Aadesh Bhagat, President of the Diva Commuters’ Association, added, “Starting a project without complete land acquisition shows a chaotic and irresponsible approach by both central and state governments. The Diva station’s home platform work has come to a standstill, and the closed railway crossing due to the stalled flyover causes daily congestion, confusion, and accidents. Seven years is not a short time. The government must act now, or this negligence could prove fatal.”
Source: Sakal Vruttseva
