The curious case of the shut-and-open bridge

The barriers kept across the entry to the bridge

Residents of Borivli West are both annoyed and amused by the shut-and-open case of a bridge over a minor nullah in Gautam Nagar near Savarkar Garden. Two months ago, the BMC had shut the bridge saying it was dilapidated. A month later, locals said, it was opened without repair. They claim it is often shut and opened. A BMC official claimed the bridge continues to remain shut, but miscreants remove the boards that block it, at nights.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had shut the bridge at A S Vartak Marg near Samta building in May citing its dilapidated condition. The bridge connects internal roads and is used by residents' vehicles. The BMC had put up boards by the hydraulic engineering and bridges departments saying the bridge was shut, but a small opening had been left for pedestrians.

The barriers moved to the side of the road, opening the bridge for use. Pic/Anurag Ahire

"We haven't seen any repairs. Now, for the past week the bridge has been opened and is being used by vehicles. So is it safe now?" asked a resident.

A local cobbler said, "Some persons from BMC closed it saying it is dilapidated. But it remains open sometimes. We don't know the reason."

Another resident said, construction on a building on the edge of the nullah on which the bridge stands is on and the bridge is opened so that the heavy vehicles with debris and material can get easy access to the site.

The Ward Officer of R north, Sandhya Nandedkar explained that the bridge has been closed for use by the ward office. "The bridge was already dilapidated. The nullah has been diverted so now there is no need for the bridge. After October the dry culvert will be filled and a road will be constructed on it," she said. She added, "Some miscreants opened the bridge by removing the barriers kept across its entry. It has happened earlier also. We will close it if someone opens it now."