A tragic accident occurred on the Naigaon flyover in Vasai on Friday evening, claiming the life of a young motorcyclist and leaving another injured. The victim, identified as 20-year-old Atul Duble, was traveling at high speed with a friend when he lost control at a sharp curve, causing the motorcycle to crash through the flyover’s railing and fall to the ground below. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the Naigaon flyover, especially regarding its low protective railings and hazardous turns, which locals believe may pose additional risks to drivers.
Atul Duble, a resident of Vadvali in Naigaon West, was riding his motorcycle with his friend, Rahul Dable, on Friday at around 6 p.m. They were traveling across the flyover, which connects the eastern and western parts of Naigaon. According to local reports, Atul was driving at a high speed when, as he approached a sharp turn on the flyover, he suddenly lost control. In a horrifying sequence of events, the motorcycle veered off course, crashed through the side railing of the bridge, and plummeted to the road below. Atul suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His friend, Rahul, was injured in the accident but survived.
This incident was reported to Manikpur Police, who have registered the death and initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Preliminary assessments suggest that the accident was caused by a combination of high speed and the flyover’s structural design, which includes steep curves and insufficiently high railings. Rahul, who is currently recovering from his injuries, may also provide more insights into the incident, helping authorities understand how the accident unfolded.
A particular point of concern raised by this accident is the height of the railings along the flyover. According to residents and frequent commuters, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the flyover, installed high protective barriers only on the sections directly over the railway tracks. However, on other parts of the flyover, especially near the curves and slopes, the railings are notably lower. This disparity in barrier height has led to questions about the safety of the flyover, especially for motorcyclists and other drivers who may be at risk of skidding or losing control on these sections.
Local authorities are aware of the hazardous elements on the Naigaon flyover, as several accidents have previously been reported there. The bridge includes two sharp turns, which pose particular challenges to drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the area or traveling at high speeds. Many drivers struggle to navigate these sudden curves, which can lead to loss of control, especially when combined with the bridge’s low railings and heavy traffic at peak times.
In addition to the structural concerns, local residents have highlighted another potential hazard: pedestrians and onlookers frequently gather near the flyover’s railings. With limited areas to pull over safely, people often stand near the edges to view the traffic below, sometimes leaning on or near the low railings. This pedestrian presence adds another risk factor, as it may further distract drivers or lead to unintentional crowding near the flyover’s edges. The presence of both fast-moving vehicles and pedestrians on such a narrow, high-altitude structure has been a long-standing concern for locals, who now hope for changes to prevent further tragedies.
Friday’s accident has once again spotlighted the issues of speeding and road safety on the Naigaon flyover. Despite traffic signs advising caution, many drivers continue to drive at high speeds across the bridge, partly due to the lack of speed-reducing infrastructure. Some residents are now calling for measures such as speed bumps, rumble strips, or more visible signage to remind drivers to slow down, particularly at the flyover’s curves.
Advocates for increased safety measures have also suggested that the MMRDA consider raising the height of the railings on all sections of the flyover, not just those over the railway tracks. They argue that higher railings would not only prevent vehicles from skidding off the bridge in the event of a loss of control but would also discourage pedestrians from gathering near the edges. Additionally, they suggest adding barriers or warning systems at the start of each curve to give drivers additional time to adjust their speed and position before reaching the turns.
The Naigaon flyover was built to ease traffic between Naigaon East and West, which are separated by the railway line, but as traffic volume has grown over the years, so too have the risks associated with the bridge. Local government authorities have reportedly been aware of the dangers, and there have been previous calls for improvements to the flyover’s safety infrastructure. However, Friday’s accident has reignited these calls, with many residents urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent more accidents.
In response to the incident, representatives from the MMRDA are expected to meet with local law enforcement and community leaders to discuss potential improvements to the flyover’s safety features. Manikpur Police have also noted that they will increase patrols on the bridge and surrounding areas to monitor for reckless driving and ensure that speed limits are observed. For many locals, these steps, while positive, feel overdue, and they are hopeful that real change will come from the tragedy.
Atul Duble’s death is a painful reminder of the real human cost of road safety oversights. Known in his community as a spirited young man, Atul’s sudden passing has left his family and friends in grief. Meanwhile, Rahul, who survived the accident, remains hospitalized but is expected to recover. His injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening, according to medical staff.
This tragedy has also struck a chord within the community, who are using the incident as a rallying point to demand safer infrastructure. While it may be too late for Atul, many hope that his story will lead to real improvements for others who use the flyover daily.
The Naigaon flyover accident serves as a stark warning about the importance of road safety, especially in high-traffic areas with challenging turns and structural limitations. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, they await concrete actions from the authorities that will address the flyover’s hazards and make it safer for all who cross it.
