Nahur Bridge News: First Arm Operational, Second Opening Soon

The Nahur bridge, which spans the railway tracks at Nahur station, is undergoing a major transformation. Two new arms have been added to the existing bridge, each carrying traffic in opposite directions. Eventually, these arms and a new central bridge will be merged into a single, wider structure.

The first arm, linking the eastern and western suburbs of Nahur, Mulund, and Bhandup, was opened to traffic on February 27. The second arm is expected to be operational by April, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The bridge plays a crucial role in connecting LBS Marg on the west with the Eastern Express Highway and Airoli junction on the east. With the GMLR project bringing more traffic to the area, strengthening the bridge became essential.

Photo Credit: PTI

Construction Timeline And Challenges

Work on the project began in 2019, with the first phase aiming to build two bridges alongside the existing structure. These additions will expand the current 2+2 lanes to 4+4 lanes. In the second phase, the central bridge will be replaced and integrated with the new arms, forming a 3+3-lane bridge with footpaths.

The project faced delays, particularly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with significant progress seen only from 2022. By February 2023, the BMC reported that 70 per cent of the work was completed. The Central Railway (CR) installed girders essential for the bridge's construction, though the process was slow due to space constraints and utility relocations.

Cost And Public Concerns

The total cost of the project is Rs 92 crore, with Rs 68.25 crore for Phase 1 and Rs 23.60 crore for Phase 2. While the bridge aims to ease congestion, local residents have raised concerns about the quality of the construction and potential traffic issues.

As per the same report, Mulund resident Bharat Soni pointed out that the GMLR project will bring even more vehicles to the bridge, possibly increasing congestion on approach roads. "The BMC should have widened the GMLR from LBS Marg to Nahur station before expanding the bridge," he said.

Phase 2 Yet To Begin

The second phase, which involves dismantling and rebuilding the central bridge, is yet to be scheduled. The CR will first need to demolish the railway section, but no timeline has been announced. Officials have stated that this will begin only after Phase 1 is fully completed.

For now, commuters await the opening of the second arm in April, hoping that the expanded bridge will provide much-needed traffic relief.