The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has achieved a significant milestone in the reconstruction of the Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge, which connects Andheri East to Andheri West. The successful transfer of the girder on the bridge’s southern side marks a critical step forward in this highly anticipated project.
On the night of September 8, 2024, the BMC completed the challenging task of shifting the girder, currently positioned at a height of 90 meters, which will be gradually lowered to a final height of 8 meters over the coming days. The intricate operation demands precise engineering and will be executed under the guidance of skilled professionals to ensure maximum safety. Upon reaching the target height, the BMC will seek further clearance from the Western Railway Administration to continue work on the corridor.
To complete the project efficiently, the BMC is coordinating closely with Western Railway to secure the necessary blocks, facilitating the timely progression of the bridge construction. The initial phase of the bridge, spanning the east-west divide of Andheri, has already been completed and is set to open to light traffic by February 26, 2024. The next critical step involves the installation of the second girder, which commenced on September 4, 2024. The girder was raised to a height of 25 meters, and the remaining 65 meters were successfully shifted by September 9, 2024. This complex operation was overseen by BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, with support from the Western Railway administration.
M/s RITES Limited is executing the project following an approved design by the Western Railway Authority, addressing technical challenges such as rail traffic and power constraints. The beam installation marks a first in Indian bridge construction, particularly in a busy railway hub like Mumbai, as it involves lowering a girder from such a significant height. Following the successful installation of the girder, additional works such as crash barriers, road surfacing, street lighting, and lane markings will be completed. The second phase of the railway overbridge is projected to conclude by November 14, 2024, while the approach road under municipal jurisdiction is expected to be completed by April 30, 2025.
A representative from the BMC emphasised that the completion of this phase is a landmark achievement, underscoring the collaboration between the civic body and the railway authorities. The BMC remains committed to maintaining stringent safety standards and ensuring timely project delivery. This reconstruction project of the Gokhale Bridge is crucial to enhancing the transportation infrastructure in Mumbai, aiming to ease the traffic congestion and provide a safer commute for the city’s residents. As the project advances, the BMC’s coordination with Western Railway will be pivotal to successfully completing the remaining work.
