BMC demolishes 28 illegal structures around Gokhale bridge

BMC officials said that out of the total 32 structures, 19 were commercial and 13 residential.

Huts, shanties, hoardings and barricades are being removed from the area and it will be entirely cleared by Friday, said BMC officials. (File)

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday removed 28 structures that were obstructing the construction of Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge in Andheri, said officials.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner Manish Valanju said that 32 structures were falling along the area required for the construction of the bridge, out of which 28 were demolished on Wednesday and four others were removed by the occupants voluntarily.

BMC officials said that out of the total 32 structures, 19 were commercial and 13 residential. From Wednesday onwards, the civic body will require nearly 85 days for the partial opening of the bridge, with an aim to open its one arm by December-end, they added.

“Out of the total 32 structures, four are eligible to receive compensation, which the BMC will provide at the earliest,” Valanju told The Indian Express on Wednesday.

Huts, shanties, hoardings and barricades are being removed from the area and it will be entirely cleared by Friday, said BMC officials.

BMC officials conducted an inspection visit at the Gokhale bridge site two days ago, following which, the demolition drive was carried out on Wednesday. Iqbal Singh Chahal, municipal commissioner and state-appointed administrator, had authorised demolition of these structures on Monday, following which, ward officials initiated the work.

The structures were hindering crane movement in the area, so had to be removed, said civic officials. “The cranes would transport heavy payload including metal girders and rods. If the encroachments were not removed, these objects would pose a threat to the ones living there,” said an official, on the condition of anonymity.

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According to officials, girders will be assembled after all the structures are completely removed — likely to take nearly 30 days, while 15 more days would be required for the launching activity and 45 days for concretisation of roads.

The Gokhale bridge — a primary east-west connector in the western suburbs — was shut for vehicular and pedestrian movement in November 2022.

Pratip Acharya

Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai. Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in: Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting. City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region. Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis: National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019. State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019. Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis. Experience Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies: Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014). Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express. Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More

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