The anticipated opening of Mumbai’s Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge faces a significant delay, with the completion timeline extended beyond the monsoon season due to challenges in the assembly process.
Although sections of the second girder have commenced arrival at the site, the intricate process of joining them together is estimated to span over two months, rendering the bridge inaccessible to commuters until after the monsoon. A recent decision by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to reopen the Gokhale bridge on February 26 sparked a surge in traffic congestion at the SV Road junction in Andheri West, exacerbated by its misalignment with the Barfiwala flyover. Responding to public outcry, the BMC sought the expertise of Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) to propose a solution for bridging the gap between the Gokhale bridge and the Barfiwala flyover without necessitating the latter’s demolition. VJTI’s subsequent recommendation, endorsed by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), proposed a modification to the existing infrastructure, involving the connection of the last four spans of the Barfiwala connector to the Gokhale bridge. This approach eliminates the need for demolition, with pedestals to be raised and recast to align with the lifted spans. Despite the progress in conceptualising a solution, the BMC awaits clearance from the election commission before initiating construction work, in compliance with the prevailing model code of conduct. Concurrently, the arrival of components for the second girder at the Gokhale bridge site signifies a step forward in the construction process. However, uncertainty looms over the commencement of assembly, raising concerns among residents of Andheri regarding the timely completion of the project.
Given the current trajectory, the BMC faces mounting pressure to expedite the assembly process to ensure the bridge’s accessibility before the onset of monsoon rains. However, the project’s timeline remains contingent on various regulatory clearances and logistical considerations, underscoring the complexities inherent in infrastructure development within urban landscapes. Abhijeet Bangar, additional commissioner of the BMC, said, “Five parts of the second girder of the Gokhale bridge have reached the site. The remaining parts of the girder will arrive by April 22. The launching of the girder will be completed next month, and then we will start further work.” Another BMC official added that although the girders will be assembled and launched by June, the remaining work, such as road construction, painting, and other testing, will take time.
