Vehicular movement between the Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge and CD Barfiwala Flyover in Andheri, Mumbai, is set to commence on July 1, as announced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The alignment work, initiated in April, persisted through the monsoon season, a period typically marked by a halt in civil and infrastructure projects for four months.
The decision to undertake this alignment project during the Lok Sabha elections necessitated BMC officials to seek special permission from the Election Commission of India (ECI). This request was aimed at starting the work promptly in April and ensuring completion by June 30.
The technical challenges involved hydraulic jacks lifting two spans of girders to align the structures, with the spans elevated by 1,397 mm and 650 mm, respectively. Additionally, six new bearings were installed to support the structure.
Originally constructed in 2008, the Barfiwala Flyover extends from Juhu, connecting with the north-south arms of the old Gokhale Bridge, which dates back to 1960. The demolition of the old Gokhale Bridge in 2022 paved the way for a new bridge, which opened for vehicular movement on February 26 this year.
However, due to the railway guidelines requiring the new Gokhale Bridge to be built at an elevated height of six metres above the railway tracks, a misalignment occurred with the Barfiwala Flyover. Addressing this misalignment necessitated an additional alignment project, costing Rs 8 crore.
The BMC’s proactive approach in continuing the alignment work during the monsoon season highlights its commitment to resolving infrastructural challenges promptly. The integration of the Barfiwala Flyover and Gokhale Bridge is expected to enhance traffic flow in the Andheri region, alleviating congestion and improving connectivity for commuters.
This successful completion underscores the importance of strategic planning and efficient execution in urban infrastructure projects, ensuring minimal disruption to the city’s daily activities.
The reopening of this vital link is a significant development for Mumbai’s transportation network, promising smoother transit and enhanced vehicular movement across the Andheri area.
