Bridge Or Blunder? Viral Video Of Malad's Flyover Raises Concerns Over Infrastructure Safety

A video showing an 800-metre under-construction bridge at Malad's Mith Chowky junction went viral on Sunday. The Rs 45-crore project was criticised for appearing to end abruptly at the metro line on New Link Road. The video, shared by @richapintoi, raised concerns about a possible infrastructure error similar to the Gokhale Bridge misalignment in Andheri.

When contacted, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials clarified that the flyover is still under construction and will be lowered from its current position once completed. "The structure is currently supported on wooden logs to allow work below it. Once the girders are launched, there will be a clear height of 3.5 metres from the Metro line to the flyover," an official explained in Times Of India.

Traffic Concerns

The narrow gap between the bridge and the overhead Metro 2A seen in the video sparked concerns. The clarification was also shared by @Mumbaikhabar9. Malad MLA Aslam Shaikh mentioned in Times Of India that the bridge is in its final construction stages, with one section expected to open within two months.

"I have visited the site multiple times in recent months to ensure that work is progressing. A penalty has been imposed on the contractor for slow pace of work," said Shaikh. On the other hand, former Malad corporator Vinod Mishra noted that ongoing construction has caused traffic congestion.

Recent Infrastructure Incidents

In Bihar's Katihar district, an under-construction bridge over the Ganga collapsed recently. The project aimed to connect Bakiya Sukhaye panchayat to district headquarters. No casualties were reported, but investigations are ongoing due to suspected increased river currents causing two pillars to collapse.

The government announced stringent actions against responsible parties for such incidents. Similarly, Mhada's Mumbai Board announced a housing lottery for 2,030 flats in various projects starting online registration on August 9 with a draw on September 13.

Construction Challenges

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) announced that the carriageway at Malpe near Pernem would reopen by September 30 after being closed since July 7 due to a landslide. IIT Bombay recommended clearing debris and improving drainage while persistent rains delayed efforts necessitating additional land acquisition.

Slope stabilization work is ongoing and slated for completion by month-end. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in infrastructure development across different regions.

The viral video of Malad's under-construction bridge has brought attention to potential infrastructure issues in Mumbai. Authorities assure that once completed, it will alleviate traffic congestion effectively while ensuring safety standards are met.

Project Details

The eastern arm of the bridge originates from Girdhar Park Bridge, passing above Malad Creek and extending over a traffic junction. The western landing will be near St Joseph's School. Another arm will extend southwards from the main carriageway, forming a T-shaped structure leading to Link Road.

This design aims to ease traffic congestion at Mith Chowky by allowing light motor vehicles to pass with height barriers on both sides. "For those travelling from areas like Manor, Madh and Malwani to Malad railway station, this is the only route," Mishra added.