Mumbai’s BMC awaits essential environmental and traffic clearances to begin the construction of the Lokhandwala-Yari Road bridge | File Photo
Mumbai: Nearly a year after the work order was issued, the construction of a new vehicular bridge connecting Lokhandwala to Yari Road in Andheri has yet to begin. The BMC is still waiting for crucial approvals, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the state forest department and traffic permission for the project.
This bridge is expected to reduce commute times for Versova residents, offering an alternative route once the Versova-Bandra Sea Link opens, reducing travel time from the current 30 minutes to just 10 minutes after the bridge is completed.
After two decades of discussions, the BMC issued a Rs 42 crore tender in November 2023 for the construction of the bridge connecting Lokhandwala to Yari Road. However, the project has faced environmental concerns due to its planned route through a mangrove forest and creek.
The construction will impact 48 mangrove trees that are to be removed along the project’s alignment. A civic official stated, “The BMC will receive the NOC only once the forest department reviews the project and takes a final decision.” Meanwhile, the local ward office is preparing to remove encroachments on the Lokhandwala side of the bridge to clear the path for construction.
Dhaval Shah of Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) said, “The project has indeed been under discussion for several years, and it is essential that the civic body takes proactive steps to secure all the required clearances independently, rather than relying on contractors for the process. By streamlining the approval process and addressing potential delays, the BMC can ensure that the project moves forward more efficiently. A clear time frame for completion should also be established, as the bridge will provide significant benefits to a large number of commuters by reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion.”
The proposed bridge, spanning 393.2 meters, will cross Kavathe Creek and feature a 110-meter single-span steel arch over the creek. The approach roads will include a 166-meter approach on the Yari Road side and a 117-meter approach on the Lokhandwala side.
Initially proposed in 2002, the bridge project gained momentum when a tender was issued in 2014 with an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore, and a contractor was appointed. However, legal challenges and delays have hindered progress over the years, pushing back the timeline for this important infrastructure development.
