December 4, 2025: Reconstruction of the long-pending foot overbridge (FOB) between Charni Road station’s east side and Dr Bhalerao Marg Sahitya Sangh in Girgaon has been halted after Saifee Hospital raised objections, leading to frustration among residents who have been waiting years for the bridge to be rebuilt. The FOB was demolished on public demand after being declared unsafe.
In an official statement, Saifee Hospital said the proposed structure would disrupt essential hospital movement. “An FOB has been proposed for construction outside gate number 5 of the hospital. The hospital has already conveyed its concerns to competent authorities, stating that such a structure would obstruct the ingress and egress of ambulances, oxygen tankers, and other essential utility vehicles, thereby significantly hampering the hospital’s operations,” the statement said.
The original Sahitya Sangh Mandir Kelewadi bridge, over a century old, was demolished 5–6 years ago. The BMC awarded a ₹5.57 crore contract for its reconstruction, and work had progressed to around 15% before being stopped.
According to Uttam Shrote, chief engineer of the BMC’s bridges department, the Bombay High Court had on December 20, 2024, directed both parties to come to an agreement. “We presented four options for the FOB and they agreed to the option in which the landing would be at gate number five. After 15% work was completed, they raised objections and a dispute arose. We are waiting to resolve the dispute and restart work,” Shrote said.
Residents say the delay has severely affected daily movement. “Around 80% Girgaon residents have been using this bridge for their daily commute for decades,” said Jeetendra Ghadge, a resident and civic activist, who added that the halt reflects the BMC’s indifferent approach. He noted ongoing inconvenience for senior citizens and highlighted safety concerns. Ghadge has filed a complaint demanding an inquiry into what he termed a “sudden U-turn” by the bridges department.
Source: Hindustan Times
