The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved the demolition and reconstruction of seven ageing bridges—three vehicular and four pedestrian—across Kandivali and Malad, at a projected cost of Rs330 million. The comprehensive rebuild is part of a broader strategy to improve urban mobility and ensure commuter safety in high-traffic zones. The project, spread across two administrative zones—R/South ward (Kandivali) and P/North ward (Malad)—follows structural assessments that flagged these bridges as unfit for public use.
Officials confirmed that two of the foot overbridges have already been closed for safety reasons, while others have been restricted partially due to deterioration. These long-neglected civic assets, crucial to the daily commute of thousands of Mumbaikars, had not seen any major upgrades in decades. The bridges identified for reconstruction include two reinforced cement concrete (RCC) vehicular bridges—one near Appa Pada and another near Surbhi Complex in Sainagar, Kandivali East. Four foot overbridges will also be rebuilt, including those near Ramnagar Chawl, Narvane Transit Camp, Gavdevi Road, and Mahalakshmi Dairy Farm. The total reconstruction will span close to 150 metres of essential linkways within Mumbai’s dense suburban zones.
According to civic officials, the decision was taken following two detailed structural audits. The initial inspection conducted by a consultancy flagged all seven bridges for urgent demolition. A second independent audit reaffirmed the findings, leading the BMC’s Bridges Department to formalise reconstruction plans. A specialised technical consultant was later brought in to draft conceptual designs, tender documentation, and cost estimations. While the rebuild will be funded from the BMC’s Rs82.39 billion bridges department allocation in the 2025–2026 budget, the timeline for project execution is expected to stretch up to 24 months. Once complete, the new bridges will conform to higher structural standards and will integrate improved accessibility, drainage, and pedestrian-friendly designs.
As the city pushes towards resilient and sustainable public infrastructure, this move aligns with Mumbai’s broader mission to become a zero-carbon, equitable metropolis. With suburban commuters relying heavily on these critical connections, the redevelopment aims not just to fix old faults but to future-proof the transport grid. Residents, especially those navigating daily inter-ward travel, are expected to see tangible benefits in safety and commute time once the projects are complete. The civic body’s emphasis on proactive intervention signals a shift from reactive to preventive urban governance—a welcome evolution in Mumbai’s infrastructure planning ethos.
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