Gokhale bridge, Barfiwala flyover misalignment: BMC to set up inquiry to find out what led to ‘mistake’

A senior official privy to the development told The Indian Express on Thursday, “Even though we have initiated the process of rectification, yet we have to have a clarity as to why the mistake took place in the first place. We will seek responses from all the parties involved so that the issue could be taken on record officially.”

The official stated that after reasons are assessed a call will be taken on whether to launch a detailed inquiry by appointing a panel.

“Initially we will be seeking responses from the contractor and officers involved, following which the next step of inquiry will be decided,” the official maintained.

The Barfiwala Flyover was constructed in 2008 by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), originating from Juhu and connecting with the north-south arms of the old Gokhale Bridge, which has been in existence since 1960.

The old Gokhale Bridge was demolished in 2022 and a new bridge was constructed in its place, which was opened for vehicular movement on February 26 this year.

However, due to the guidelines of railways, since this bridge passes above the railway tracks, the BMC constructed the new Gokhale Bridge at an elevated height of six meters, resulting in misalignment of its arms with the Barfiwala Flyover.

At present, the Gokhale Bridge is partially operational with only one arm catering to two-way traffic and the second arm is expected to become operational by year-end.