Mumbai: Lokhandwala bridge safety concerns grow as residents flag damaged side walls

Damaged and missing portions of the side protection wall on the Mogra nullah bridge in Lokhandwala have prompted residents to seek a fresh structural and safety audit. Pics/Satej Shinde

Days after mid-day highlighted residents' concerns over the reopening of the bridge across Mogra nullah in Lokhandwala, fresh safety issues have surfaced. Residents now claim the bridge's side protection wall are damaged and deteriorating, raising fears that a vehicle crashing into them could plunge into the nullah below.

The Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) has written to the BMC and MMRDA, demanding an immediate structural inspection, a fresh safety audit and public disclosure of compliance reports before the bridge continues to remain fully operational.

What residents are alleging

According to LOCA and local motorists:
>> Side retaining wall appears weak and damaged.
>> Safety barriers require immediate inspection.
>> A collision involving a heavy vehicle could breach the wall.
>> There is a risk of vehicles falling into the Mogra nullah below.

What LOCA wants

The association has demanded:
>> An independent structural and safety audit.
>> Public disclosure of compliance and inspection reports.
>> Immediate repairs wherever required.
>> Recovery of repair costs from the contractor if negligence is established.

Earlier concerns raised by locals

Residents had earlier questioned whether all safety recommendations linked to reopening the bridge were implemented.

They pointed out that:

>> During Metro Line 6 construction, a metal girder weighing over 1300 tonnes reportedly remained on the bridge for an extended period.
>> They wanted confirmation that the bridge remained structurally safe after the Metro work.

MMRDA's response

"A structural audit was conducted for the bridge after completion of Metro work at Mogra nullah by IIT Bombay through DMRC. The IIT Bombay report observed no structural distress or cracks and stated that the bridge could be opened for traffic after surface repairs. Recommendations relating to future maintenance have been forwarded to the bridge-owning agency."

Voices

Kashmera Shah, actor
‘We have observed that the retaining wall and safety barriers along the bridge appear to be in poor and dilapidated condition. If any heavy vehicle crashes into the side wall, it may result in serious injuries, fatalities and large-scale loss of life. The authorities concerned should inspect the wall and provide additional protection if needed.'

Shikha Singh Shah, actor
‘While travelling on the bridge recently, I noticed that the retaining wall appears to be in a dilapidated condition. If a heavy vehicle or car crashes into the wall, there is a possibility of it falling into the nullah. The authorities should repair the safety wall on priority.'