BMC pulls down overbridge used by thousands daily after structural defects were flagged, but alternate crossing options still missing
The site of the demolished Vikhroli foot overbridge. Pic/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR
After months of uncertainty and safety concerns, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finally demolished the foot overbridge (FOB) at Vikhroli that had earlier been declared dangerous, bringing temporary relief to residents and motorists in the area. The ageing structure, used by thousands of commuters to cross the busy road, had been shut after inspections flagged serious structural defects.
“Every time we passed under or over the bridge, there was fear that something could collapse,” said Sanjay Jaiswal, a resident who regularly used the FOB. Motorists echoed the concern. “I use the Eastern Express Highway daily. You keep thinking, what if I’m the unlucky one?” said Nitin Mane.
However, the relief has been short-lived, with fresh worries surfacing after the bridge’s removal. With no alternative crossing in place, pedestrians are now forced to cross the high-speed road at ground level, risking accidents in heavy traffic. Adding to the concern is the uncertainty over how long the construction of a new FOB will take.
“No public infrastructure work gets done quickly, and if it is rushed, quality suffers. It’s a lose-lose situation for common people. We hope authorities complete the new bridge without compromising on safety,” said Mayur Gavan, a college student who used the FOB daily to commute.
Residents have also flagged safety hazards left behind after the demolition, with parts of the staircases still hanging on either side of the road. “The bridge is gone, but the dangling stairs themselves look dangerous,” Jaiswal said. Civic officials said plans for a new FOB are in progress and that temporary safety measures will be introduced. “The tendering process has begun, and work should start soon,” a BMC official said.
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