Mumbai: The long-awaited completion of three crucial Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), which have faced multiple delays, is finally within reach, offering much-needed relief to commuters. The Carnac Bunder Bridge in the island city, Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge in Andheri, and Vikhroli Bridge—are set to be fully operational before the next monsoon season, claims civic officials.
The 154-year-old Carnac Bunder ROB, connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Masjid Bunder, was closed to heavy vehicles in 2014. Its reconstruction faced delays due to the ongoing Hancock Bridge work and encroachments.
With 80% of the work completed, including the launch of the first girder, the second girder’s launch has been postponed to January 2025. Despite this, officials assure the bridge will be ready by May 31, 2025, improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion in South Mumbai.
The Gokhale Bridge in Andheri, a crucial east-west connector, was closed for traffic on November 7, 2022, after being declared unsafe. Originally expected to be completed by May 2023, the bridge has faced multiple delays over the past two years.
The northern arm of the bridge opened for light motor vehicles on February 26, 2024, and work on the second girder lowering is currently in progress, with an expected completion date of December 10, 2024.
As construction continues on both bridge approaches, the bridge is projected to be fully operational by April 30, 2025. The BMC has already imposed a fine of Rs. 3 crores on the contractor for the delay.
The work order for the Vikhroli Road over Bridge, linking LBS Marg to the Eastern Express Highway, was issued in April 2018. However, delays have frustrated citizens, as it is a key east-west connector.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) criticised the BMC for poor planning, improper site estimates, and failure to remove encroachments. These issues led to significant public inconvenience. The BMC cited land acquisition, structure removal, and utility shifting as reasons for the delay. “With 90% of the work completed, the bridge is now expected to open by March 2025,” official added.
Carnac Bunder – length 70 metres, Width 26.5 metres
Reconstruction cost – Rs.49 crores.
Original Deadline – June 2024
New deadline – May 2025
Gokhale bridge – length – 90 metres, width 13.5 metres.
Reconstruction cost – Rs.90 crores.
Original Deadline – May 2023
New deadline – April 2025
Vikhroli bridge – length – 615-metre, width 12 metres
Estimated cost – Rs. 88 crores.
Work extended – March 2021, May 2022 (due to covid), October 2022, May 2023.
New deadline : March 2025.
