Gokhale bridge, Barfiwala Flyover non-alignment: BMC seeks technological institute’s help to chalk out solution

The Barfiwala Flyover was constructed in 2008 and used to originate from Juhu and connect with the north-south arms of the old Gokhale Bridge, which has been in existence since 1960. The latter was demolished in 2022 and a new bridge was constructed in its place, which was opened to vehicles on February 26 this year.

However due to the Railways guidelines, since the bridge crossed over railway tracks, the BMC constructed the new Gokhale Bridge at an elevated height of six metres, resulting in its misalignment with the Barfiwala Flyover.

“We have asked VJTI to provide a solution that would not require breaking either of the existing structures so that the issue could be solved at the earliest. The VJTI’s report is expected by next week and based on their solution the next course of action will be decided,” P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (Projects) told The Indian Express.

In a letter sent to VJTI on March 7, the civic authorities mentioned that an expert’s visit was already carried out.

“The methodology and technology that has been used to construct Barfiwala Flyover is different from that of the newly-built Gokhale Bridge. The methodology and technicality used to build the latter could be used for merging the two bridges. An expert from your organisation (VJTI) has already visited the project site for designing an express merger for these two bridges,” the BMC’s letter said. The letter was undersigned by chief engineer of BMC’s bridges department.

“Considering the public inconvenience, the municipal commissioner has instructed the expert from your esteemed institute to examine the time saving proven construction methodology to expedite the merger of these bridges without breaking the existing structure of Barfiwala Flyover,” the letter read.