July 18, 2025: In response to growing concerns over design flaws in several newly reconstructed bridges, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has constituted a dedicated team within its bridge department to draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This team will assess recent issues and establish clear, consistent guidelines for bridge design and construction to ensure a more streamlined, accessible, and future-proof approach to infrastructure planning.
The BMC has recently completed several key east-west connectors across Mumbai—including the Carnac Bridge (Sindoor) in Masjid Bunder (opened on July 10), the Vikhroli Bridge (14 June), and the fully operational Gokhale Bridge (May 12). However, these projects have faced criticism for design oversights. For instance, the Gokhale Bridge was scrutinised for its narrow footpaths and misalignment with the CD Barfiwala flyover, causing both public inconvenience and a cost overrun of Rs 8 crore.
A senior civic official confirmed that the new SOP will focus on critical design aspects such as merging lanes, landing points—particularly where bridges intersect with highways—and proper pedestrian access. It will also mandate optimal widths for carriageways and footpaths, and introduce universal accessibility features including ramps and tactile indicators for the differently-abled. Furthermore, the SOP will specify the placement of arms and traffic integration strategies to reduce criss-cross traffic and congestion.
While the BMC currently follows Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines, structural designs are outsourced to consultants and reviewed by experts from institutions like IIT. The civic body has penalised several consultants for failing to adhere to approved plans.
With recurring design lapses drawing public backlash, the SOP aims to establish Mumbai-specific norms that balance commuter needs, safety, and inclusive urban mobility. Once finalised, it is expected to serve as a blueprint for future bridge projects citywide.
Source: The Free Press Journal
