16 June,2026 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
The eastbound carriageway bridge over Mogra nullah near Lokhandwala in Andheri West. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE
Days after the eastbound carriageway bridge over the Mogra nullah near Lokhandwala in Andheri West was reopened following a closure of over four years, the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) has raised concerns alleging that several key structural conditions prescribed for reopening have not been fully complied with.
According to LOCA, the bridge had previously borne the load of a metal girder weighing over 1000 tonnes during Metro Line 6 construction work. The association alleged that a detailed inspection conducted over a year ago had laid down multiple conditions related to the bridge's piles, substructure, superstructure, and the waterway below the connector before traffic could be restored.
However, residents claim that several recommendations listed in the report have allegedly not been implemented. Highlighting the issue, LOCA has written a letter to the MMRDA, the BMC, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, and the chief minister.
Further observations detailed in the audit report suggest that the bridge's surroundings may have accelerated deterioration. According to the report, during inspections, the waterway below was found choked by heavy silt deposits, boulders, and unauthorised hutments. Vegetation growth, missing railings, and damaged parapet walls were also flagged. The consultants reportedly recommended extensive repairs, including isolating the piles using a cofferdam, jet-washing the structure to expose hidden defects and, if required, replacing the entire superstructure.
Local MNS leader Prashant Rane had raised concerns regarding the deteriorating structural condition of the bridge with the BMC in June and July 2025. "The BMC had informed me last year that a joint inspection of the bridge was conducted by DMRC and MMRDA and that the structural audit report was shared with the agencies concerned and the Metro Line 6 contractor for necessary repairs. However, the audit flagged serious structural concerns and recommended urgent intervention. Reopening the eastbound carriageway before completing all necessary repairs could put motorists and commuters at risk," said MNS leader Prashant Rane.
Dhaval Shah from LOCA said, "As per the inspection report, a copy of which is in our possession, inspections were carried out in Nov 2024 and Jan 2025, pointing to several serious issues with the bridge. The eastbound stretch has been reopened for traffic without carrying out the necessary repairs, which could endanger everyone using the bridge." According to LOCA, the bridge's substructure and superstructure are in a state of severe deterioration. The association alleged that the elastomeric bearings designed to absorb weight and movement had "crushed, settled, and failed", forcing the deck slabs to rest directly on concrete pedestals. Karan Jotwani, co-founder of LOCA, further alleged that concrete is honeycombed and porous, with exposed and corroded rebars.
An MMRDA official stated that Metro Line 6 work was being executed by the DMRC and before reopening, a structural audit was conducted by IIT Bombay. "In the report, no distress in the form of structural cracks was observed, and it was stated that the bridge could be opened for traffic after fixing the surface. The report has been submitted to BMC for further maintenance," the official said.
