The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended the reconstruction of the foot overbridge (FOB) connecting Charni Road station’s eastern side with Dr Bhalerao Marg Sahitya Sangh in Girgaon, following objections from Saifee Hospital. The stoppage, occurring after roughly 15% of work was completed, has sparked frustration among local residents who rely on the bridge for daily commuting.
The century-old Sahitya Sangh Mandir Kelewadi FOB was demolished several years ago after being declared unsafe. In response to public demand for a secure crossing, the BMC awarded a ₹5.57 crore tender to rebuild the structure. However, Saifee Hospital raised concerns that the proposed FOB landing near Gate 5 would obstruct ambulance routes, oxygen tankers, and other essential service vehicles, potentially disrupting critical hospital operations. An official from the BMC’s bridges department said the dispute follows a December 2024 directive from the Bombay High Court, which asked the civic body and the hospital to reach a consensus on the bridge’s design. “We had proposed four alternatives for the FOB, and the hospital initially agreed to a design with the landing at Gate 5. Work commenced but objections surfaced, and we are now seeking a resolution before resuming construction,” the official said.
Local residents have expressed concern over the delays, highlighting the disruption to daily commutes and the broader urban mobility impact. “Around 80% of Girgaon residents have historically used this bridge to access Charni Road station,” said a civic activist. “Without it, commuters, including senior citizens, must walk longer distances or cross busy roads, which has already led to accidents and inconvenience.” Urban planners note that delays in rebuilding essential infrastructure like the Girgaon FOB illustrate the challenges of balancing public safety, urban mobility, and institutional requirements in densely populated areas. A senior transport analyst explained, “In cities like Mumbai, effective coordination between civic authorities and institutional stakeholders is crucial. Delays in simple but critical projects can amplify congestion, hinder accessibility, and affect residents’ quality of life.”
The BMC has assured residents that the dispute will be resolved as quickly as possible. “Our priority is to ensure safe and accessible crossings while accommodating hospital operations,” a spokesperson said. The High Court’s guidance remains in effect, and construction is expected to restart once both parties agree on the final layout. Until then, commuters are advised to plan alternate routes and exercise caution on nearby roads. The Girgaon FOB saga highlights the ongoing need for strategic urban planning, where public infrastructure development aligns with healthcare and safety imperatives, ensuring equitable mobility for all citizens.
BMC Stops Girgaon Charni Road FOB Construction After Hospital Raises Operational Objections
