The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a Rs 42 crore tender for a long-delayed project - a Y-shaped vehicular bridge connecting Yari Road and Lokhandwala in Mumbai's western suburbs. Initially proposed in 2002, the project faced legal hurdles, causing significant cost escalation. The 100-meter-wide bridge over Kavathe Creek aims to reduce travel time from 30-45 minutes to just five minutes. Concerns were raised over destruction of mangroves for the bridge, but the Supreme Court quashed the stay after BMCs assurance regarding replanting. With a proposed completion by 2025, locals anticipate relief from the lengthy commute, while the BMC emphasizes environmental friendliness and improved connectivity.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a significant step in addressing a two-decade-old plan by floating a Rs 42 crore tender for a vehicular bridge connecting Yari Road junction and Lokhandwala in Mumbai's western suburbs. Originally proposed in 2002, the project faced delays, causing the initial cost estimation of Rs 16 crore to escalate substantially. The bridge, designed in a Y-shape, aims to span the Kavathe Creek, reducing the current 30-45 minute commute to just five minutes. A senior BMC official explained that the 100-meter-wide creek would be bridged by a structure with a 160-meter approach road, acting as a crucial connector between the two banks. The project encountered a four-year delay due to litigation issues, resulting in the need for a fresh tender. In 2019, a local housing society raised concerns about mangrove destruction and challenged the proposed alignment, leading to a petition at the Bombay High Court (HC). However, the stay was quashed by the HC and later also by the SC after BMC’s assurances. The BMC, asserting the project's environmental friendliness, stated its intention to replant trees and awaits forest department clearance. Once a contractor is assigned, the BMC plans to seek new environmental clearances from the state government. In conclusion, the BMC's Rs 42 crore tender for the Yari Road-Lokhandwala bridge marks a pivotal move to revive a two-decade-old plan. The Y-shaped bridge over Kavathe Creek aims to significantly reduce commute times, but delays and legal hurdles led to a fresh tender. As the BMC emphasizes its environmental commitment, residents hope for the bridge's expedited completion by 2025, providing crucial relief for suburban travel.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
