October 10, 2025: The construction of the new cable-stayed rail overbridge at Ghatkopar and the widening of the Andheri–Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR) have been delayed due to encroachment issues, with around 250 affected structures identified along both sides of the road.
In response, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has ordered a structural audit of the existing railway bridge and directed coordination with the traffic police to restrict heavy vehicle movement to ensure public safety and facilitate inspections.
On Thursday, Gagrani, along with local MLAs Ram Kadam and Parag Shah, carried out an on-site inspection of the project. They were joined by MahaRail Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal and senior officials from the BMC’s bridges department.
According to a civic official, the BMC’s N Ward has cleared nearly 80 structures over the past year, though around 150 remain, some eligible for compensation. Gagrani instructed officials to survey affected residential and commercial occupants and prioritise their rehabilitation.
“Coordination with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) must be prioritised to expedite the process. The affected individuals should be rehabilitated in phases to speed up the bridge work. Additionally, utility relocations should be planned systematically,” Gagrani said.
The commissioner’s directive follows the Gokhale Bridge mishap, after which the BMC initiated audits of bridges citywide, including the Ghatkopar bridge. A 2018 audit by IIT-Bombay had revealed that the structure was severely overloaded and in need of major repairs.
To alleviate congestion, the BMC has also undertaken the widening of the AGLR to 47.5 metres. The new bridge, measuring 216 metres in length and 11 metres in width, will have three lanes in each direction. However, encroachment-related delays have pushed the completion deadline from end-2025 to June 2027.
Source: The Free Press Journal
