Mumbai: BMC to reconstruct 3 crossings over Mogra nullah

The nightmare doesn't seem to be ending for Andheri residents as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now decided to demolish and reconstruct three culvert bridges on the Mogra nullah on SV Road, Veera Desai Road and Caesar Road.

The BMC recently approved a proposal in this regard. According to it, the bridges are old, dilapidated, and resist the flow of rainwater during showers. The stormwater drains department of the civic body suggested the bridges department reconstruct these structures.

The Mogra nullah near Andheri subway on March 21. Pic/Anurag Ahire

After getting permission from all authorities concerned, the BMC will start work. It will take 18 months, excluding the monsoon period, to complete the task. Due to the work, part of SV Road, one of the busiest roads in the western suburbs, will be closed to traffic. Veera Desai Road, another crucial Andheri West stretch, and Ceasar Road will also be partially closed.

A senior official of the bridges department said the work would be carried out as per the recommendation of the stormwater drains department. "If the BMC is demolishing and reconstructing all bridges at the same time, it will be a complete disaster," said Dhaval Shah, founder of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association.

An official said, "After the work of the Gokhale Bridge is completed, the work of SV Road one will be started. While working on one side of the bridge, traffic on the other side will continue. It will be planned in such a way. The work will be done after discussing with the traffic police and obtaining permissions. The work on the other two bridges will be done after getting permission from the traffic police."

"The three bridges are crucial. SV Road is the most crucial street in the western suburbs. If the part of it is closed, it will result in huge traffic jams. The same situation will happen with the other two bridges. The BMC should not demolish entire bridges at the same time. At least allow traffic on one half of each bridge," he added.