Mumbai’s infrastructural landscape is witnessing a significant development with the ongoing construction of the Gokhale Bridge in Andheri. The project, crucial for improving connectivity between Andheri East and West, has reached a pivotal stage with the second girder installation. The 86-metre girder, recently manoeuvred 25 metres over the railway tracks, is expected to complete its span by November 14.
Currently positioned 25 metres over the tracks from the east side, the girder will need to be shifted an additional 86 metres to fully span the railway tracks before being lowered to a final height of 7.5 metres. The intricate operation involves substantial logistical coordination, including a midnight mega block implemented by Western Railway to facilitate the girder’s movement. This night-time block, conducted between September 4 and 5, allowed for the initial 25-metre shift, which, although challenging, marks a critical milestone in the project.
The first girder of the bridge, which became operational on February 26, 2024, represents the initial phase of a project that faced delays. Originally, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had aimed to open two lanes by May 2023, but unforeseen setbacks pushed the timeline by 10 months. The second girder’s assembly was completed on August 24, 2024, with all components transported from Ambala. Each girder spans 90 metres, is 13.5 metres wide—accommodating three lanes in each direction—and features a 1-metre-wide walkway. Weighing approximately 1,300 metric tons, the girder’s precise placement required a heavy-duty, 360-degree rotating crane, particularly due to the constrained space at the project site.
Upon completion of the girder installation, anticipated by November 14, the project will advance to subsequent phases, including the construction of crash barriers, asphalting, installation of streetlights, and road painting. The final completion of these works is projected for April 30, 2025, marking the full operational readiness of the bridge. The Gokhale Bridge, once declared dilapidated and closed in November 2022, is undergoing a significant transformation. As the project progresses, it promises to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in one of Mumbai’s busiest corridors.
