The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to finish assembling the girder for the southern arm of Andheri's Gokhale bridge by August 23, aiming to pave the railway section by November 14. The full southern arm is expected to open by May 2025. This project marks a significant infrastructure upgrade in Andheri. Despite delays leading to a change in the engineering team, BMC remains committed to enhancing connectivity. The northern arm, operational since February 26, has already reduced congestion, with the southern expansion expected to further improve traffic flow.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced its plan to complete the assembly of the girder for the southern arm of the Gokhale bridge in Andheri by August 23. The installation of the girder is a significant step towards improving the connectivity in the area and is expected to take around 60 days once the necessary approvals from the railway authorities are obtained. The BMC aims to have the bridge's railway section paved by November 14, with the entire southern arm scheduled to open by May 2025.
In a recent development, there have been organizational changes within the BMC's engineering team overseeing this project. An executive engineer previously responsible for the bridge construction has been relieved of their duties due to delays in the project timeline. The engineer, along with the contractor, received a show-cause notice regarding these delays. An assistant engineer, who has prior experience with the Gokhale bridge, has taken over to enhance coordination and ensure the project's timely progress. BMC officials assert that the executive engineer was not ineffective; rather, the complexities of the project required heightened collaboration.
The installation process itself poses logistical challenges, as the railway blocks required can only be accessed for one to two hours nightly. The BMC has carefully planned for these constraints, estimating that while the installation could take up to 60 days, it might be completed in as little as 45 days if conditions allow. Following the girder installation, attention will turn to the paving of the railway portion with concrete, which will be coordinated with the asphalt work for the bridge's approach roads. This approach aims to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition to full operational status.
The Gokhale bridge expansion is part of a wider effort by the BMC to enhance infrastructure in Andheri and improve traffic flow. The recently opened northern arm of the bridge, which became operational on February 26, has already played a key role in relieving congestion in the area. The southern arm will further extend this benefit, enabling better access for commuters and reducing travel times.
However, several factors could impact the progress of this construction project. Weather conditions play a critical role; many tasks must be performed during dry periods to maintain safety and quality standards. To monitor the situation, officials from the Rail India Technical and Economic Service will be involved to conduct inspections before the surfacing begins.
This revitalization of the Gokhale bridge underscores the BMC's commitment to improving urban infrastructure and addressing the needs of Mumbai's growing population. As work progresses, residents are encouraged to stay updated on the construction timeline and road closures to plan their travel accordingly. The BMC remains optimistic that the completion of the southern arm will significantly enhance connectivity in Andheri, contributing to the city's overall development.
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