The BMC intends to construct three new bridges this year; a BJP councillor claims that the ideas lack a timetable

The budgeted allotment for the construction and maintenance of bridges in Mumbai has been enhanced by the BMC from Rs 961.60 crore to Rs 1576.66 crore. This year, the Civic Authority plans to build three new bridges: flyovers from Juhu-Versova Road up to CD Barfiwala at JVPD intersection, Mithi Chowky Junction on Malad Link Road, and a third bridge connecting Fishermen's Colony at Senapati Bapat Marg to Western Express Highway.

 

The budget document states that bidders would be invited when the Environment and Forests department issues a No Objection Certificate. Apart from the budget allotment, the civic council had set aside additional cash for the bridges department of Rs 157.36 crore last year. The budget has included a provision for Rs 615.06 crore for the bridges department this year as well.

 

Several under-construction bridges, in particular, are moving at a snail's pace. Some projects have not developed at all from the previous year. The forest department, for example, has not given its approval for the widening and restoration of the bridge over the Mithi river at Mahim Causeway. Because of a design revision, the construction of a road overbridge connecting Keshavrao Khadye Marg to Saat Rasta intersection and Dr. E Moses Road was halted for a year.

 

According to BJP Corporator Vinod Mishra, the BMC's proposals do not include any time-bound programmes. "The BMC's progress report and capital spending report are both false," he claimed. For example, the construction of the Kora Kendra bridge was anticipated to cost Rs 129 crore, but the standing committee approved an additional Rs 400 crore worth of work last year." "The ruling Shiv Sena is making budgetary provision to receive its percentage and offering work to contractors," he claimed.