After Gokhale Bridge delays, BMC vows reforms: Abhijit Bangar outlines new strategy

Abhijit Bangar addresses the media as BJP and Shiv Sena leaders inaugurate the fully operational Gokhale bridge in Andheri on Sunday. Pic/Ashish Raje

In the wake of the Gokhale bridge delays, Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar outlines how the BMC plans to avoid repeat blunders. From drafting SOPs for all bridge works to improving coordination with railways and tackling rehabilitation bottlenecks, Bangar tells mid-day what's changing after one of the city's most delayed but high-impact infrastructure projects.

What has BMC learned from the Gokhale bridge experience?
We now plan to create a standard operating procedure (SOP) for all future bridge projects. A detailed schedule will be prepared, and traffic will only be stopped once we are confident of meeting deadlines. For example, in the Sion bridge case, a delay in shifting high-tension power lines after traffic was halted caused major setbacks. We aim to avoid such scenarios.

What are the major challenges in bridge work across the city?
Rehabilitation is a big issue. If we manage it in a time-bound manner, projects can stay on track. For instance, the Belasis bridge near Mumbai Central is scheduled for completion by November 30, 2025, but that depends on shifting 11 structures in time.

What about delays due to multiple agencies being involved?
We're in continuous coordination with the Railways. Since both agencies are involved, regular follow-ups are the only way forward. Approving General Arrangement Drawings (GADs) is also a time-consuming but essential step.

What specifically delayed the Gokhale bridge?
The second girder was received late, and there was limited space to launch it. We had to use private land for the launch. Despite the delay in receiving the girder, we managed to finish the construction by April 26.