Tensions mount in Dadar as the construction of the new Tilak bridge brings the proximity of its pier cap to an 89-year-old commercial-cum-residential building under scrutiny.
The Vishnu Niwas building, standing ground-plus-three storeys tall, finds itself just inches away from the newly erected pier, sparking outrage among residents and activists alike. The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) spearheads the project, with plans indicating a hefty investment of Rs 375 crore. Despite assurances of minimal disruption to traffic flow, concerns over the pier’s encroachment on the building’s space have escalated tensions in the locality. The 650-metre-long bridge, designed to accommodate two lanes, is a crucial infrastructure development endeavor aimed at enhancing connectivity in the region. However, the close proximity of the pier to the Vishnu Niwas building underscores the delicate balance between progress and preservation, prompting calls for stringent oversight and community engagement in future infrastructure projects.
A resident said, “My 86-year-old mother and another 95-year-old resident were troubled due to the sound and vibration caused by the drilling when construction was underway. Now, we are worried about the sound and vibration once the bridge is opened up.” The existing Tilak bridge was built above railways tracks to connect Dadar East and West in 1925. BMC officials said the bridge is being constructed by MRIDC. When contacted, an MRIDC official said, “We are building the bridge as per plans approved by BMC. Moreover, the work undertaken is well within the road line earmarked.” BMC additional municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar said, “We will examine the alignment of the bridge and its proximity to the building. We will ensure that the bridge does not cause any safety issues for the building.”
