BMC to look into reasons for misalignment between Gokhale, Barfiwala bridges

MUMBAI: Even as BMC has started rectification work to align the newly constructed Gokhale bridge with C D Barfiwala flyover in Andheri, it has indicated that it will look into the reasons which led to the 6ft gap between the two structures.

BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani told TOI that when an audit is carried out, the administration will have to furnish an explanation for the extra expenditure that is being incurred for the rectification work, so it is imperative to look into the reasons which led to the misalignment. The alignment work is expected to cost BMC about Rs 10 crore. Gagrani also indicated that there could have been a communication gap between agencies engaged in the work.

Dhaval Shah, director of Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens’ Association, said: “BMC carrying out this exercise is a welcome step, as the misalignment happened despite its officials being aware of the height difference from day one...we hope BMC will carry out a proper inquiry into the lapses... and take action against the errant officials responsible for this mess.”

The gap between the two structures was noticed after one arm of Gokhale bridge was thrown open for vehicles on Feb 26. BMC approached VJTI seeking a solution for the merger of Gokhale and Barfiwala bridges. VJTI, in its report, suggested that the merger was possible without having to demolish the Barfiwala flyover. It stated that the last four spans of flyover be lifted, and pedestals be raised and recast to bridge the gap between the structures and align them. The report was further vetted by IIT-Bombay.

On Sunday, BMC commenced work on alignment of Gokhale bridge with C D Barfiwala flyover, under the supervision of VJTI and IIT-B experts. The work is expected to be completed by June. BMC has targeted to complete phase 2 work, that is completion of work for the entire Gokhale bridge by December.

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