Mumbai: The three critical connectors—Carnac Bunder Bridge in South Mumbai, Andheri's Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge, and Vikhroli Bridge—have faced multiple delays, causing inconvenience to commuters.

To ensure the timely completion of several critical bridge constructions, the civic authorities held a review meeting to assess the progress of the projects, alongside representatives from the Railways Authority, Mumbai Traffic Police, and BEST.

The BMC emphasised the need for enhanced coordination and communication between these agencies to ensure these vital infrastructure projects are completed before the monsoon season.

In addition to the three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), the BMC has also undertaken the construction of the Bellasis Bridge in Mumbai Central, and the Vidyavihar and Sion bridges. To assess the current status of these ongoing projects, Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Bangar and Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare held a joint meeting at the BMC headquarters on Monday evening.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Municipal Commissioner (F South) Nitin Shukla, Chief Engineer (Bridges) Uttam Shrote, Chief Engineers (Roads and Traffic) Girish Nikam, among others.

Bangar stated, "Given that the demolition of the Sion bridge is still pending, it is imperative to ensure that citizens are not inconvenienced. Both the Railway Administration and the BMC must take all necessary precautions. To facilitate the timely completion of this bridge, meticulous planning should be done, with clear deadlines set for each task. Pending issues should be resolved through coordinated efforts. The BMC’s various departments must collaborate to address the outstanding issues on both the eastern and western sides of Sion Railway Station. Key tasks, including removing obstacles blocking pedestrian bridge construction, shutting down sewerage pipes, demolishing public toilets, relocating BEST vehicles, and removing advertising hoardings, should be expedited." He has also set timelines for completing these tasks and directed that efforts be made to complete the Sion bridge by May 31, 2026.

The BMC has set timelines for key bridge projects. The Gokhale Bridge’s railway work is done, and the approach road will be finished by April, with the bridge opening by April 30, 2025. The Carnac Bridge is expected to be completed by June 10, 2025. For the Belasis Bridge, set for April 2026 completion, Bangar has directed early completion by December 2025.

He further mentioned that 12 structures hindering the bridge construction have already been removed, and the remaining 12 structures should be cleared within a month. "Both girders for the Vidyavihar Bridge have been successfully installed. To proceed with the remaining work, certain structures on the eastern side of the railway station will need to be removed.

Additionally, a solid ramp will need to be constructed on the western side. To ensure smooth pedestrian traffic, alternative routes will be implemented," said Bangar.