Residents of Kurla West are voicing their frustration over the impact of the Mumbai Metro Line 2B construction on the Halav Pul bridge, a crucial connector used for generations. As the elevated Metro line progresses, concerns have arisen regarding the height restrictions imposed by the newly installed girders, which may significantly curtail the bridge’s accessibility for heavy vehicles.
The community’s unease stems from the recent discovery that the girders above the Halav Pul bridge will limit vehicle clearance to just 3.5 metres. This height restriction poses a severe challenge for the numerous heavy and loaded vehicles that regularly use the bridge. Local activist groups have criticised the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for not providing prior notification about these changes.
“We were taken aback to learn that the girders are too low. The MMRDA did not alert us or issue a public notice, preventing us from raising objections earlier,” remarked a resident involved in local activism. Residents have formed the Kurla Metro Sangharsh Committee, which has convened five meetings to address the issue and monitor the Metro’s impact in other areas. Despite the late stage of the project, the committee has begun protests demanding a resolution. An official letter has been sent to the MMRDA Commissioner and Metro Director, urging them to address potential issues arising from the new girders.
The Halav Pul bridge holds significant importance, particularly during major festivals such as Ganeshotsav and Navratri, when it is heavily utilised for transporting idols. Residents argue that the change in Metro alignment, which was not part of the original plan, should have been communicated to the public for feedback. The Metro Line 2B, stretching 23.64 kilometres from DN Nagar to Mandale, is a key infrastructure project intended to enhance connectivity across Mumbai.
It links various transport networks, including the Western and Eastern Express Highways, Western and Central Railways, Monorail, and multiple Metro lines. The MMRDA has defended the project, stating that the Metro Line 2B alignment was approved by the Maharashtra government in 2016 and that construction is compliant with regulations and standards. They noted that the maximum permissible height above the bridge is 3.5 metres, in line with Airport Authority of India standards, and that necessary approvals from BEST and Mumbai traffic police have been obtained. The U-girders for the Metro viaduct are scheduled to be installed post-Ganpati festival, as per the construction timeline.
