BMC Seeks Election Commission Nod to Fast-track Gokhale Bridge Alignment

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up to seek approval from the to expedite the process of merging the levels of the newly inaugurated Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge with the Barfiwala Flyover.

The move comes as BMC aims to accelerate crucial construction works during the code of conduct period. “We are planning to float a short tender for this work. For this, the ECI’s permission would be needed before we start inviting the bids. The second arm of the Gokhale Bridge is set to be opened by December 2024 and we are hoping to merge the two bridges before the entire bridge becomes operational,” said an official.

Following the demolition of the Gokhale Bridge in 2022 and the subsequent construction of a replacement bridge, which opened for vehicular traffic on February 26 this year, BMC is now focused on seamlessly integrating the two structures. The endeavour is estimated to cost the corporation Rs 8 crore, with preparations underway to draft the tender document. A recent technical report submitted by the Veermata Jeejabai Technological Institute (VJTI) indicated that the arms of the flyovers are in satisfactory condition, negating the need for their demolition. According to VJTI’s assessment, aligning the bridges would take approximately 90 days. The proposed method involves lifting the last four spans of the Barfiwala Flyover and adjusting pedestals to match the profile of both bridges.

Despite VJTI’s findings, BMC is soliciting a second opinion from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B), before proceeding with the tendering process. This cautious approach underscores the corporation’s commitment to ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the integrated infrastructure. The Barfiwala Flyover, inaugurated in 2008, serves as a crucial link between Juhu and the north-south arms of the former Gokhale Bridge. However, due to railway guidelines, the new Gokhale Bridge had to be constructed at an elevated height of six metre, resulting in misalignment with the existing flyover. BMC’s proactive measures to seek EC approval reflect its dedication to expediting infrastructure projects while adhering to regulatory protocols. The successful integration of the Gokhale Bridge and Barfiwala Flyover holds promise for enhancing connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.