The eastbound carriageway of the Mogra nullah bridge near Lokhandwala in Andheri West has reopened after remaining shut for over four years, but the move has triggered concerns among residents over alleged incomplete structural repairs.
Soon after the reopening, the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) claimed that several critical repair works recommended in earlier inspection reports had not been carried out. The group has formally written to the MMRDA, BMC, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and the Chief Minister, seeking urgent attention to what it describes as unresolved safety issues.
According to residents, the bridge had earlier carried heavy construction loads of over 1,000 tonnes during Metro Line 6 works. A detailed structural audit reportedly highlighted multiple concerns linked to the bridge’s piles, substructure, superstructure and the underlying waterway, all of which were expected to be addressed before reopening.
LOCA has alleged that despite these recommendations, several corrective measures remain pending. The association further stated that the surrounding water channel was found clogged with silt, debris, boulders and encroachments, while damaged railings, vegetation growth and weakened parapet walls were also observed during inspections. The report had reportedly suggested major interventions such as cofferdam-based pile isolation, jet cleaning of the structure and, if required, replacement of the superstructure.
Local MNS leader Prashant Rane also flagged safety concerns, stating that reopening the bridge without completing repairs could pose risks to commuters. He said he had raised the matter with civic authorities in mid-2025 and was informed that a joint inspection had already been conducted by DMRC and MMRDA.
LOCA co-founder Dhaval Shah said inspection reports from November 2024 and January 2025 pointed to “serious issues” in the bridge structure, adding that damaged elastomeric bearings had reportedly failed, causing deck slabs to rest directly on concrete supports. He also alleged signs of honeycombed concrete and exposed reinforcement bars.
However, an MMRDA official clarified that IIT Bombay had conducted a structural audit and found no major distress or cracks. The official said only surface-level repairs were recommended before reopening and that the report had been forwarded to the BMC for further maintenance action.
Source: Mid-day
