BMC razes 70-year-old Patel bridge, to construct new one

The notice to demolish the structure had been rolled out in October 2022, after reports of two audits conducted by the BMC — in 2019 and 2022 — revealed that the structure of the bridge was not fit enough to keep it operational.

“During our inspection, it was found that the decades-old structure’s steel members had become corroded. Furthermore, we found that the structure was in dilapidated condition. Hence, the decision to demolish the structure was taken,” said a civic body official, requesting anonymity.

The 70-year-old structure had been developed privately, with A J Patel, who later formed the Patel Trust, funding the construction work. The Trust had four members – two each nominated by Patel and the BMC. The BMC-nominated members were officials from the bridges and assessment and collection departments.

In a bid to meet the larger public interest, the trustees consented to pull down the bridge, in a meeting concluded last year, on September 21.

According to officials, the BMC has plans to develop a new bridge with state-of- the-art model and new technology, in place of the demolished structure. “Besides coming to the aid of daily commuters, the project also looks to appeal to the tourists who flock to Mumbai,” the official told Express on Saturday.

The civic body has chalked out the drawings and the consultant on the project has been also appointed. “After we obtain all permissions, work on the construction will also start in the coming months,” added the official.

Activist Zoru Bhathena said, “This was the first bridge in Mumbai to have escalators installed, in the 1980s. I have very fond memories of the bridge as this was the first public escalator in the city and we would visit it very often.”