Mumbai’s Newly-Inaugurated Gokhale Bridge Faces Backlash Over Narrow, Unclean Footpath; Netizens React, “It’s Gutkapath”

Mumbai’s newly reconstructed Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge is under scrutiny after reopening with a dangerously narrow footpath. The path is not only unsafe for pedestrians but is also visibly unclean. The bridge is now drawing public criticism over its design and execution. Read on to know more.

Gokhale Bridge Facing Criticism 

This is ₹111 crore Gokhale bridge, Mumbai opened 2 months ago

Look at the size & design of the footpath

Engineering Marvel 🤡 pic.twitter.com/ROuG6MNWkL

— 🚨Indian Gems (@IndianGems_) July 14, 2025

The Gokhale Bridge in Mumbai’s Andheri became fully operational for the public on May 11, 2025. It had remained shut for nearly 7 years due to structural concerns. However, just 2 months after reopening, it is facing backlash for poor planning and design. 

A video posted on X by @IndianGems shows the narrow footpath of the bridge. The footpath has high concrete walls on both sides, leaving barely enough space for one person to pass. It’s so narrow that two people can’t walk side by side without bumping into each other. What’s more, despite being newly opened, the footpath looks unclean and neglected.

Also Read: Mumbai: Ganesh Mandal Processions Cannot Use Gokhale Bridge For Large Idols

Netizens Divided Over Footpath Design

The video quickly drew mixed reactions from users online. While many criticised the dirty and narrow footpath, one user defended it, saying, “In terms of size and design, it is well planned so that users can only walk without needing to use two wheels or a bicycle on it.” Another user shared the same opinion and added, “More than enough to walk.”One user made a sarcastic comment, saying the footpath seemed designed only for “slim people”. Not only that, but a user also said that the bridge is not a footpath but a “Gutkapath”, referring to its unclean state.

Some people clarified that the bridge isn’t primarily meant for pedestrians and is rarely used for walking long distances. One person pointed out that there are several foot overbridges at Andheri station, located just beneath this road overbridge.

Also Read: Gujarat CM Approves Rs 212 Crore For New Parallel Bridge After Gambhira Collapse In Vadodara

While the narrow space might just allow a person to walk through, the unhygienic state of the footpath raises bigger concerns. A new bridge, open for only two months, should not already look this neglected.

Cover Image Courtesy: @IndianGems_/ X