Mumbai: Farm protests delaying Gokhale bridge work?

The challenges facing the construction of the Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge seem to be never-ending, with the shipment of second girders now halted due to ongoing farmers' agitation in Punjab. Despite expectations for part of the second girder to arrive by the end of February, obstacles persist, raising concerns about project timelines and completion. However, Civic Chief I S Chahal said there was no delay and the project will be completed on time.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) timeline, part of the second girder is supposed to arrive by the end of February. Sources said parts of the girder are ready in the Ambala factory. But roads are blocked due to the farmer's agitation. "We are working on alternative roads," officials state. Officials also claim that this will not impact the project timeline.

Traffic movement on the newly opened Gokhale bridge. Pic/Nimesh Dave

The length of the girder is around 90 metres and the weight is around 1300 metric tons. The fabrication of part of the first girder was halted due to floods and heavy rain in Ambala. The parts of the girder reached Mumbai in August 2023 and BMC launched the first girder in December 2023. While motorists are waiting for the opening of the C D Barfiwala connector in Andheri West, this connector will open with the full project by the end of December 2024. BMC officials said, "We are waiting for the expert report of the IIT Mumbai and VJTI. After the report, we will start work. But this connector will open with the full project by year-end."

Also Read: Mumbai: No girders, no ramps; how will Gokhale bridge open in three months?

C D Barfiwala connector is two metres lower than the Gopal Krishna Gokhale bridge

According to motorists, if the direct Barfiwala connector is open for traffic, it will help reduce traffic on the S V Road junction. Also, this connector will help reach Juhu Junction without halting at signals. Dhaval Shah, a resident of Andheri West, said that as the Barfiwala connector is not open, there is huge traffic congestion on the bridge. "BMC should open this connector before the monsoon."

mid-day has pointed out that there is no facility for entry and exit to the Gokhale bridge from Teli Gali. "Entry and exit point to the Gokhale bridge from Teli Gali will be solved soon," an official added.

Dec 2024
Month project is expected to be completed