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

The BMC's move came a week after citizens and motorists slammed the civic authorities as both bridges didn't merge like they earlier did, causing them inconvenience.

BMC Gokhale bridge Barfiwala flyover non-alignment

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. (Express photo by Pradip Das)

Facing criticism over the misalignment between the newly-contructed Gokhale bridge and Barfiwala Flyover, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wrote to the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) asking them to chalk out a technical solution to merge the arms of the flyover with the bridge without causing any damage to either of the two structures.

The BMC’s move came a week after citizens and motorists slammed the civic authorities as both bridges didn’t merge like they earlier did, causing them inconvenience.

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.

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“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.

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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