Gokhale Bridge, a vital east-west route in the western suburbs, is set to partially reopen by Diwali, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The bridge was dismantled last November due to its poor structural condition. Initially, the BMC had planned to reopen the bridge by the end of May, with full public access by the end of October. However, the earlier reopening deadline was missed due to a delay in the supply of raw materials caused by a strike at one of the plants of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
Under pressure from commuters to open at least one lane of the bridge ahead of the monsoon season, a site inspection was carried out by MLA Ameet Satam and P. Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (projects). Satam has now reassured the public that one lane of the bridge will open by Diwali.
Satam provided an update on the progress, stating, Work on the BMC portion is almost complete and will be fully finished by the end of this month. Two piers on the railway portion are in progress and will also be completed by the end of the month. The assembly of girders will begin in August. The girder launch in the railway portion should be completed by the end of September, followed by the connection between the BMC portion and railway portion. After the girder launch, slab and concreting work will commence.
He also mentioned that there were no issues with the availability of steel, and work would proceed according to the BMC’s timeline. Satam added, We are aiming to start with one lane by Diwali.
P. Velrasu confirmed the aforementioned deadlines, further supporting Satam’s reassurance.
Dinesh Mehta, a member of the Gokhale Bridge ASAP group of commuters, expressed his thoughts on the matter. He acknowledged that the MLA’s mention of Diwali was a symbolic reference to an auspicious occasion, but clarified that as per discussions with Ulhas Mahale, the deputy municipal commissioner (infrastructure), one lane was expected to open by October 20.
Mehta emphasized the importance of timely completion and the impact the delay had on commuters. He stated, As a group that advocates for the prompt opening of the bridge, I find reassurance in MLA Satam’s statement that there will be no further delay. Today, I feel a little relieved knowing that the BMC is mindful of the proposed dates. People are closely observing and inquiring about the progress.
The commuter group was formed to set an example and address delays on projects that affect millions of people. With Andheri East and Andheri West alone housing a population of around 3 million, Mehta estimated that commuters were losing significant amounts of money on fuel expenses. He pointed out that using the sealink as an alternative route cost ₹85 ($1.13 USD) for just a ten-minute earlier arrival, whereas using the detour cost an extra hour of commuting time.
The reopening of Gokhale Bridge is eagerly awaited by the public, particularly those who rely on the key east-west link in the city. The reassurances from MLA Satam and the BMC provide hope that the partial reopening of the bridge by Diwali will help alleviate some of the commuting challenges faced by the people of Mumbai.
