BMC starts work on merger of Gokhale and Barfiwala bridges

MUMBAI: On Sunday afternoon the civic bridges department, under the supervision of experts from IIT-B & VJTI, began work on alignment of the newly constructed Gokhale bridge at Andheri with CD Barfiwala flyover to bridge a gap that is approximately six feet between the two structures.

On Sunday, work began with the removal of the top layer of Barfiwala flyover.

The first arm of Gokhale bridge had been thrown open on Feb 26. However, it has been out of bounds for vehicular traffic due to the mismatch that exists with Barfiwala flyover .

Currently, BMC is getting the existing contractor who is at work on the reconstruction of Gokhale bridge to do the merging of the two structures done. This is so because the election code of conduct is in force right now and no new tendering can be done in keeping with rules.

However, in case of any emergency work that may be required to be done, the tendering process is allowed provided special sanction has been taken from Election Commission.

In a letter sent to M/s SMS Ltd on Apr 11, the executive engineer of the bridges department has said, '....you are hereby directed to start the work of lifting/merging of the north-side arm of CD Barfiwala flyover under the supervision of VJTI Mumbai.'

BMC on Sunday also listed out key directives to be followed while carrying out the work which includes strict supervision, contractors involved to be informed on techniques approved by IIT-B and VJTI, safety and barricading and 'accountability'.

BMC officials said that they are now targeting June 30 as the deadline to complete the work of alignment of the two structures. Such a task of aligning of two bridges is the first of its kind that the city will be witnessing, according to municipal officials.

Civic officials said that the works that are being undertaken are critical not only for the structural integrity of the two bridges but also for the safety of countless citizens who utilise the routes daily.

"All the tasks that are being carried out are, therefore, required to be performed with precision and in accordance with the highest standards of civil engineering practice," said an official.

The civic body will be spending close to Rs. 3 crore for the matching of the level of the two bridges.

On Mar 19, VJTI had, in a report submitted to BMC, said that the merger of the two bridges was possible without having to demolish Barfiwala flyover. This had been vetted by experts from IIT-B.