CSMT bridge work finally begins but hits hurdle already

BMC plans to land the staircases between two gates of Anjuman-I-Islam; institute objects saying it will block view of the heritage structure

The civic body has finally begun the work to reconstruct the CSMT's Himalaya Bridge, which collapsed in 2019, but a row between the BMC and a neighbouring institute could delay the progress. Anjuman-I-Islam institute, founded in 1874, has objected to one modification in the design — the landing of the bridge's staircases, which it says would block the view of the heritage building.

‘Will block view’

Under the original plan for reconstruction, the landing of the bridge would have completely blocked one of the gates of the institution. Dr Zaheer Kazi, the president of Anjuman-I-Islam, said, “We made several representations to the BMC, as the staircases will block our entry and exit, and as our strength has now increased from what it was back in 1980, we need both our accesses free. They have told us that they can land the staircases between the two gates, but that will block the heritage view of our building altogether."

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"We need not make the bridge in the manner it was made before, and we can only request to accommodate us in their plans. An ideal solution to this entire problem is to construct an underpass,” he said, adding that they have made several requests for building the bridge underground and constructing an underpass instead.

‘Yet to be finalised’

Civic officials said they are trying to consider the institute's concerns, thus, they have tried to modify the landing. They, however, said that landing is yet to be finalised, as the railways has suggested installing escalators.

A civic official not willing to be named said, “We are hoping that there we reach an amicable solution, as the work orders have been issued already and we do not want any further delay in the reconstruction.”

As the work began late last month, the large staircase was demolished by the BMC, which has planned to complete the project worth Rs 6.4 crore in 15 months, excluding the monsoon season. The collapse of the foot overbridge had claimed seven lives and injured 30 others.

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