The Central Railway (CR) has initiated the installation of the first of six girders for the road over bridge (ROB) in Vikhroli.
This milestone, achieved after years of delays and challenges, underscores the CR’s commitment to addressing the longstanding issue of east-west connectivity in the Vikhroli area. The ROB project holds paramount importance in preventing accidents and ensuring seamless traffic movement between Vikhroli East and West, a demand persistently voiced by local residents for over a decade. By bridging this connectivity gap, the ROB aims to mitigate the risks associated with trespassing on railway tracks and streamline traffic flow in the region.
Despite facing multiple setbacks, including bureaucratic hurdles and logistical constraints such as non-shifting of utilities and encroachments, the CR has persevered in pushing forward with the ROB initiative. The installation of girders marks a significant step towards realising the project’s objectives, which include linking the Eastern Express Highway on the east side with Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg on the west side. However, the road to completion has not been without its challenges. Ongoing construction work between Ghatkopar and Kanjurmarg has necessitated the cancellation and short-termination of both long-distance and suburban trains, disrupting regular rail services. Additionally, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in mid-2022 highlighted various factors contributing to the delay in the Vikhroli ROB project, directing criticism towards the BMC and other authorities involved.
As the CR progresses with the installation of girders and other phases of the ROB project, stakeholders remain hopeful for timely completion and the subsequent benefits it will bring to the local community. The successful implementation of the ROB initiative not only addresses immediate transportation needs but also sets a precedent for efficient infrastructure development in urban areas, promoting safety, accessibility, and connectivity for all. According to CR officials, the first block for this work on the construction of Vikhroli ROB was carried out on Saturday night for 2 hours and 25 minutes. The work began at around 1.30am and during the week, works will continue to begin at around 1.15-1.30am in lieu of the eliminated level crossing gate. “The launching of girders will go on throughout the week. On Saturday night, a team of engineers and 55 labourers deployed an 800-tonne crawler crane, another 250-tonne telescopic crane and around 10 trailers for launching one girder. Other works for strengthening this girder were also undertaken,” said a CR official.
