The reconstruction of Gokhale Bridge in Mumbai has been delayed by almost four years, according to a CAG report. The report said that even after the serious incident of collapse of a part of the bridge in July 2018 and recommendations of the structural auditor, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) did not plan for reconstruction of the bridge in a timely manner. A report regarding the same was published in the Hindustan Times.
BMC's Urgent Request for Steel Supplies
Iqbal Singh Chahal, commissioner and administrator of BMC, has written to Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and Steel Authority of India Ltd requesting early supply of materials for the reconstruction of Gokhale Bridge. The supply of the required material of Open Web Girder (OWG) to fabrication plant at Ambala is a need on top priority. The bridge is a vital link for East to West connectivity in Andheri for commuters, students and public at large.
Importance of the Bridge
Chahal highlighted the importance of the bridge given its location. Gokhale Bridge is an important link near Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Andheri metro railway station. Millions of commuters pass daily from Andheri railway station, which has an intersection to all the three railway lines; Central, Western and Harbour lines. The reconstruction of the bridge at Andheri railway station is an urgent task and various meetings by local MPs/MLAs were convened to complete Phase-I by June 2023.
Delays and Public Outcry
BMC, which has been repeatedly pushing the deadline of reopening the bridge, has received flak from citizens as well as local elected representatives. The CAG report on Gokhale bridge had said that the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge was delayed by almost four years. A resident of Andheri West said that with the onset of monsoons, it will get even more chaotic for the travelers as the alternative routes are not well made and a lot of traffic will be diverted there.
To summarise, the BMC's delays in the reconstruction of the Gokhale Bridge have caused inconvenience to commuters and raised concerns about public safety. The urgent request for steel supplies is a step towards expediting the reconstruction process and completing the first phase by June 2023. However, it remains to be seen if BMC can keep up with the revised deadlines and complete the reconstruction of the bridge in a timely and safe manner.
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