The prolonged delays in the construction of three crucial bridges Carnac Bunder Bridge in South Mumbai, Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge in Andheri, and Vikhroli Bridge have been causing significant inconvenience to commuters. To address this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently convened a high-level review meeting with officials from the Railways Authority, Mumbai Traffic Police, and BEST to assess progress and streamline efforts for timely completion.
With the monsoon season approaching, BMC officials stressed the need for enhanced coordination between agencies to accelerate these infrastructure projects. Alongside the three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), the civic body is also working on constructing Bellasis Bridge at Mumbai Central and redeveloping Vidyavihar and Sion bridges.
To monitor the status of these key projects, Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Bangar and Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare chaired a crucial meeting at the BMC headquarters. Senior officials, including Assistant Municipal Commissioner (F South) Nitin Shukla, Chief Engineer (Bridges) Uttam Shrote, and Chief Engineer (Roads and Traffic) Girish Nikam, were also present.
Bangar emphasized the urgency of the Sion Bridge reconstruction, given its pending demolition. He urged the Railway Administration and BMC to take all necessary measures to minimize public inconvenience and called for meticulous planning with clear deadlines for each phase of work.
He outlined several critical tasks that must be expedited, incuding clearing pedestrian bridge construction obstacles, shutting down sewerage pipelines, demolishing public toilets, relocating BEST vehicles. Bangar set May 31, 2026, as the deadline for the Sion Bridge’s completion.
Gokhale Bridge work completed, approach road to be ready by April 2025, with full opening by April 30, 2025. Carnac Bridge is expected to be completed by June 10, 2025. Additionally, 12 structures obstructing bridge construction have already been cleared, with the remaining 12 set to be removed within a month.
Bangar further stated that both girders for the Vidyavihar Bridge have been successfully installed. However, additional structures on the eastern side of the railway station must be removed, while a solid ramp will be built on the western side to ensure smooth pedestrian flow. Alternative routes will be implemented to manage pedestrian movement effectively.
With clear deadlines and coordinated efforts, the BMC aims to fast-track Mumbai’s critical infrastructure projects and ease commuter challenges in the near future.
Source: The Free Press Journal
