The long-awaited Goregaon bridge project, with a proposed cost of Rs 418 crore, continues to languish in bureaucratic limbo, thanks to a significant obstacle: the relocation of 2,500 families residing in Bhagat Singh Nagar. The bridge, designed to connect Millat Nagar in Andheri West to Bhagat Singh Nagar in Goregaon West, has been stalled for over two years, and despite securing environmental clearances, it remains on paper.
Initially approved by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at the end of 2022, the project aims to ease traffic congestion along the New Link Road, a critical thoroughfare in Mumbai. Once completed, the 500-metre cable-stayed bridge will provide a six-lane route and serve as an alternative access for commuters from Andheri Lokhandwala, which is currently plagued by traffic bottlenecks. However, progress has been severely hampered by the challenges posed by slums, especially in the northern part of Bhagat Singh Nagar, where roughly 450 structures are blocking the proposed path.
The BMC, which had anticipated the bridge to be operational by now, faces a legal hurdle in the form of a pending approval from the Bombay High Court. The court’s clearance is necessary before construction can begin, and authorities hope the case will be heard soon. In the meantime, the infrastructure project has been delayed due to the daunting task of relocating the slum residents. These families, many of whom live in informal settlements, must be rehabilitated before construction can proceed. According to BMC officials, around 1,600 additional structures are located in areas where the new road will eventually connect, further complicating the relocation process. Abhijit Bangar, the additional municipal commissioner, confirmed that the presence of slums in the area has stalled the commencement of the project. He noted that this particular location has seen several failed proposals for infrastructural upgrades, with earlier plans dating back to the 1991 and 2034 Development Plans.
Civic activists have expressed growing concern over the continued delay. Anil Galgali, a prominent activist, demanded an inquiry into the reasons for the project’s stalling, stating that the lack of foresight regarding the slum rehabilitation was a major flaw in the planning process. He pointed out that relocating over 2,000 families is not a task that can be quickly executed and argued that delays will only lead to increased costs. Galgali suggested that proper planning should have been undertaken before the approval of the project, as delays of this magnitude are a clear indication of poor project management.
The project’s delay is particularly concerning to local residents, many of whom view the bridge as an essential development. “The current bridge on New Link Road is outdated, and its closure for repairs is imminent,” said Dhaval Shah, a resident of Andheri West. “An alternative route is urgently needed, and this bridge could alleviate the pressure on our roads.” Sanjay Prashar, another local, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the exponential rise in traffic despite the opening of the metro, which has not been able to alleviate congestion in the area. Moreover, BMC officials have plans to develop the bridge as a tourist attraction, similar to the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link. This could include the installation of LED lighting, adding an aesthetic dimension to the project. However, unless the ongoing obstacles, particularly the slum resettlement issue, are addressed, the bridge’s completion seems far from imminent.
