Mumbai: On Tuesday, the BMC cleared 30 shops that were affected by the widening of Swami Vivekanand (SV) Road in Kandivali West. This drive is part of the civic body’s continued efforts to eliminate bottlenecks and expansion of the road. According to a civic official, the initiative is expected to reduce commute time between the Goregaon and Kandivali belt.

SV Road, one of the busiest routes in the city, connects Bandra to Borivali. Originally designed to be a 90-foot-wide road, the entire stretch is now congested with commercial and residential buildings, along with numerous encroachments. Civic authorities have faced challenges for years in attempting to widen SV Road, particularly in Malad and Kandivali.

"Traffic congestion on the Malad stretch often causes vehicles to back up for kilometers on narrow and interior streets. Many of the structures along the road are between 40 to 50 years old, with some dating back over 100 years," said a civic official.

As part of the drive, the civic team of R South ward demolished 30 structures along SV Road near Poisar Masjid with the assistance of 50 laborers, two JCBs, and two dumpers on Tuesday.

"The eligibility of these structures has already been determined. Owners of eligible shops will be offered alternative space within the area. Additionally, there is a provision for monetary compensation for those who prefer it over the alternative space," said a civic official.

Meanwhile, the proposed width of the road is 90 ft., but in certain sections, the road is only 40 to 50 ft wide, which leads to bottlenecks during peak hours. Recently, the BMC demolished a century-old building in Malad as part of efforts to widen SV Road.