The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed the demolition of a 100-meter bridge in the Gorai area of Mumbai’s western suburbs. The bridge crosses one of the Poisar River’s inlets and is the only direct route connecting the Lower and Upper Koliwada regions.
A structural audit found the bridge to be in poor condition. As a result, the BMC has decided to dismantle it and later rebuild it. The bridge is is around 30 years old and is also mentioned in the city’s Development Plan (DP) 2034 model. It also falls within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) buffer area.
The plan has caused concern among residents who depend on it for daily travel. The bridge connects two major Koliwada belts, which are home to the traditional Gaothan or Koli communities.
As per sources, residents said that removing the bridge will make the Koliwada region difficult to reach, especially during high tide. These areas are low-lying and located close to the shore.
If the bridge is demolished, people will have to walk about 700 metres along the beach road to reach the main road. During high tide, this path will be underwater, cutting off the Koliwada area from the mainland.
Sources also suggest that authorities did not consult citizens before making the decision. Some residents suggested that a partial demolition could help avoid problems. Once the bridge is dismantled, it will be rebuilt as part of the BMC’s plan for the area.