BMC to inaugurate Gokhale Bridge after over two years

The opening of the bridge marks the culmination of the works proposed in the second phase of the project, which was initially proposed to be completed by the end of December 2024. Currently, only the eastbound arm of the bridge is operational.

On February 27 last year, one lane (west to east arm) was opened for vehicular traffic with the other lane proposed to be completed in the second phase. However, soon after, the structure ran into controversy and left citizens irked as the bridge was not aligned with the arms of its adjoining CD Barfiwala flyover.

While the BMC maintained that the bridge had been erected at an elevation of six metres owing to the instructions of the railways — since the bridge passes over the railway track — resulting in the misalignment, VJTI and IIT were subsequently roped in, who concurred that the two bridges can be linked by raising two spans. After this, the civic body launched works on the alignment with the connector between the bridges, and it was partially opened to traffic on July 4.

However, more than a year since the first phase launch, the west-bound flank of the bridge remained closed owing to ongoing works. While the second arm of the bridge was initially pegged to be completed by December 2024 and was later deferred to March 2025, its opening was pushed to mid-2025 owing to delays induced by technical challenges.

Dhaval Shah, co-founder of Lokhandwala Oshiwara citizen’s Association (LOCA), said opening the second phase will reduce travel time to nearly 15 minutes. “Currently, one arm of the bridge has been converted into a two way, slowing down traffic. However, once the second phase opens, it will be converted back into a one-way and the entire carriageway will be tripled. Even the stoppage time at traffic signals near Teli Gully flyover will be eradicated, which will make the entire ride smooth and we will reach our destinations quickly. Besides, the opening will also reduce the load on alternate routes such as the Andheri subway,” he added.

A crucial connector that links the western and the eastern pockets of Andheri, the Gokhale bridge was established in the 1960s and passes over the railway tracks. After a portion of the bridge collapsed in 2018, the civic body called for its structural audit. It was in November 2022 that the bridge was finally shut for traffic to pave the way for a new bridge in its stead. Meanwhile, the Barfiwala Flyover, which originates from Juhu and connects with the north-south arms of the old Gokhale Bridge, was constructed in 2008.

Constructed at a cost of around Rs 75 crore, the redeveloped Gokhale Bridge is nearly 90 metres long and 13.5 metres wide.

Even as the bridge’s opening ahead of monsoon will usher in much relief for commuters, some concerns remain. “On both arms, the footpath is very narrow, making the walking experience unsafe for pedestrians. Another issue is that the crash barrier is 4.9 feet high, again raising safety concerns,” added Shah.