The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that the assembly of the girder for the southern arm of the Gokhale Bridge in Andheri is set to be completed by August 23, 2024.
This crucial phase in the bridge’s construction marks a significant step towards improving connectivity in the region. The installation process is projected to take approximately 60 days, contingent on receiving the necessary approvals from the railway authorities. The BMC has set a goal to pave the railway section of the bridge by November 14, 2024, with the full opening of the southern arm scheduled for May 2025. This expansion is part of the BMC’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure in Andheri, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and improve commuter access across the city.
The BMC has made organisational adjustments within its engineering team overseeing the Gokhale Bridge construction. An executive engineer previously in charge of the project has been relieved of their duties following a show-cause notice issued due to the delays. An assistant engineer, with prior experience on the Gokhale Bridge, has taken over the role to streamline coordination and ensure timely project delivery. The BMC clarified that the change was necessitated by the complexity of the project, which demands increased collaboration.
The girder Installation poses several logistical challenges, primarily due to limited access to the necessary railway blocks, which are available only for one to two hours each night. Despite these constraints, the BMC is optimistic that the installation process, although planned for 60 days, could be expedited to 45 days under favourable conditions. Once the girder is in place, the focus will shift to paving the railway portion with concrete, synchronising this with asphalt work on the approach roads to minimise disruptions and ensure a seamless transition to operational status.
The Gokhale Bridge expansion project follows the successful opening of its northern arm on February 26, 2024, which has already played a vital role in easing traffic congestion in Andheri. The completion of the southern arm is expected to extend these benefits, significantly improving traffic flow and reducing travel times for commuters. However, several factors could potentially impact the timeline for the southern arm’s completion, particularly weather conditions. Many tasks within the construction schedule require dry conditions to maintain safety and quality standards. To ensure compliance with these standards, the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) will conduct inspections before the final surfacing begins.
