If you’re a commuter in Mumbai, chances are that you are aware of the ongoing Gokhale Bridge fiasco. After much delay in construction, it was, yet again, declared out of bounds because there was a whopping gap of 2.8 metres in height between the Gokhale Bridge and the Barfiwala Flyover. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or the BMC appointed the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute or VJTI to come up with a solution and this is what they recommend.
Gokhale Bridge: This Is What VJTI Recommends As A Solution
As laborers weave the Gokhale Bridge—a lifeline uniting the east and west of Andheri. Tonight, anticipation rises as the second longest girder gracefully slides towards the railway portion.
Witnessing progress under the stars. #GokhaleBridge #MumbaiIndians #Andheri pic.twitter.com/iOsgEP6H8a— Ashok Mishra (@MishraAshok11) December 2, 2023
The bridge is a crucial connector between the East and West regions of Andheri. According to an article which was recently published by the Hindustan Times or HT, VJTI has recommended against demolishing the flyover.
Instead, the institute recommends that the slabs of the flyover be raised using specialised engineering techniques and jacks to align it with the Gokhale Bridge. The columns will be raised from the bottom using a pedestal.
As per a civic official cited in the HT article, VJTI deemed the Barfiwala Flyover to be in a robust condition. Hence, tearing it down was not recommended. The estimated time frame for the completion of this project is three months from the issuance of the work order.
Other Important Details To Know About This Delayed Project
Engineering marvel of a misaligned Gokhale bridge and the CD Barfiwala flyover
One part of the Gokhale bridge, which was connected to the Barfiwala flyover before it was demolished and reconstructed is now more than 6 feet misaligned.
BMC is blaming the railways for the fuckup pic.twitter.com/hzSYPeqRU4— RajBhaduriAviator (@RajBhads90) February 29, 2024
Moreover, the estimated cost of this correction project will be around ₹3 crore. Further, this task is highly specialised and five agencies that have experience with similar tasks have been recommended for the job.
@MTPHereToHelp . Same thing everyday no improvement on gokhale bridge at bisleri junction. This is harrasment by Traffic Police . No management / No Police Personal managing traffic . Gokhale bridge to cross bisleri signal is 20 /25 mins. @Dev_Fadnavis @mieknathshinde @MPLodha pic.twitter.com/44qKGZ66PL
— JD (@jd6902) March 20, 2024
When the goof-up was first announced, authorities received a huge backlash on social media. Many people expressed their frustration as it only added to their travel woes. Commuters can only hope that the rectification will be done soon.
How has the closure of the bridge negatively impacted your commute? And, do you think this is a viable solution? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @jd6902 and @RajBhads90/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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First Published: March 22, 2024 12:19 PM