Mumbai: As the Ganeshotsav 2024 approaches, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a critical safety advisory regarding thirteen bridges deemed unsafe across the city. This advisory aims to ensure the safety of devotees participating in the festival processions, which will involve large crowds and significant movement across these structures.
The BMC’s notification highlights that these thirteen bridges, located on both the Central and Western Railway routes within the city, have been classified as hazardous. Some are currently undergoing repairs, while others are scheduled for maintenance after the monsoon season. The bridges listed include key overpasses such as the Ghatkopar Railway Overbridge, Khar Road Railway Overbridge, and Arthur Road Railway Overbridge on the Central line, and the Marine Lines Railway Overbridge, Sandhurst Road Railway Overbridge, and Mahalaxmi Station Railway Overbridge on the Western line.
In its advisory, the BMC urges festival-goers to exercise extreme caution when crossing these bridges. The civic body has specifically instructed devotees to avoid placing excessive weight on the bridges, refrain from using loudspeakers or engaging in dancing while on the bridges, and to avoid lingering. Instead, celebratory activities should be conducted after safely crossing the bridges. “Following the guidance and instructions from the BMC and Mumbai Police is crucial. Devotees are advised to move swiftly across the bridges without congregating,” a BMC spokesperson said. The BMC also emphasised the importance of adhering to the designated routes and directions provided by authorities during the festival period. The advisory aims to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of participants during one of Mumbai’s most significant religious celebrations. By adhering to these guidelines, the public can contribute to a safer and more organised Ganeshotsav experience.
