Gokhale Bridge's Southern Arm Girders Near Completion, But Delays Threaten Timeline

The long-awaited completion of the Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge in Andheri, Mumbai, has reached a critical phase as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) begins assembling the girders for the southern arm of the bridge. The work, initially delayed due to late delivery of steel components, is now projected to reach completion by August 23, 2024. However, despite these efforts, the overall timeline for the bridge's completion has been pushed to March 2025.

Ongoing Work and Challenges

The assembly of the southern girders is crucial for the progress of the Gokhale Bridge, which serves as a vital east-west connector in Andheri. After completing the girder assembly, the BMC plans to request night blocks from the railways to facilitate the launching of these girders. This phase of work is expected to take about 60 days, after which the construction of approach roads will begin. This next stage is anticipated to take an additional five to six months.

However, challenges persist. The BMC had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the contractor responsible for the bridge's construction due to delays in material delivery and missed deadlines. A significant penalty of Rs 3 crore has been imposed on the contractor as a result. The delays have not only extended the timeline but have also disrupted the municipal administration's initial plan to complete the project by December 2024.

Railway Blocks and Further Delays

One of the major hurdles in the project is the coordination required with the railway administration. Due to the ongoing monsoon season, railway blocks needed for girder installation over the tracks cannot be granted, pushing this critical work to October. This delay has further shifted the timeline, with the work on the railway portion now expected to conclude by November 15, 2024.

Impact and Future Outlook

The Gokhale Bridge was partially reopened in February 2024 with the completion of the northern arm, providing some relief to commuters. However, the delays on the southern side mean that full operational status will not be achieved until March 2025. The BMC has warned the contractor of further penalties if the November 15 deadline is missed, underscoring the importance of meeting the revised schedule.

The completion of the Gokhale Bridge is eagerly awaited by the residents of Andheri and the surrounding areas, as the bridge is a critical infrastructure piece that eases traffic congestion and improves connectivity between the eastern and western parts of the city.