Updated on: 29TH APRIL 2023 12:41 PM IST | Mumbai
S S NADAR | news@debotimes.in

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had floated the idea of constructing the bridge many years ago, but owing to internal procedural rules, it had to stop the project midway.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to construct a bridge over the Poisar River in Kandivali in the western suburbs in its bid to promote seamless connectivity.

Significance of the project

Kandivli is a densely populated area in the western suburbs. However, it does not have an adequate road network to connect it with the commercial areas near the railway station or with areas across the Poisar River, which originates from Malad and extends northwards to Dahisar. The new bridge will improve connectivity and will join the western side of the Kandivli station with the Poisar subway for which Mumbaikars need to currently take a longer route.

Features of the bridge

The BMC had floated the idea of constructing the bridge many years ago, but owing to internal procedural rules, the civic body had to stop the project midway. Most of the substructures of the bridge, which include the pillars, have already been constructed and the girders are to be launched. Civic officials said that with the current phase, the entire project will be completed.

The proposed bridge would be 30 metres long and will have a 1.5-m-wide footpath that will be built keeping in mind features suitable for differently-abled persons. The approach of the bridge will be 40 metres long.

Current status and timeline

The BMC has appointed a contractor to carry out the structural audit of the structure. The contractor will examine the current condition of the pillars and based on the report, the civic body will take a decision on whether to reconstruct it or launch the girders.

Estimated cost

The estimated cost for completing the remaining works would be Rs 6 crore. However, if the structure needs to be reconstructed, the cost may go up. The BMC plans to complete the bridge in two years.

What officials say

“This bridge has been proposed in BMC’s Development Plan – 2034 model. The bridge was planned to keep in mind the future growth of vehicles and the population in this area. Once constructed, it will be able to declutter this place by a good margin,” said an official.