GST latest hurdle for 'new' Hancock Bridge construction

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is in talks with the contractor to carry out the work based on the revised rate. 

"Since the tax rate has changed and as per the state government's notification, all work is to be carried out with GST rate, the tender amount of the bridge will change," said an official from the BMC's bridge department. The GST rate has been revised to 12 from 18 per cent.

It has been almost a year-and-a-half since the 135-year-old Hancock Bridge was demolished. The British-era bridge near Sandhurst Road railway station, which connected Byculla and Dadar, was deemed dangerous by the Central Railway in 2013.

The delay in construction has created several problems for the residents of Dongri, Byculla, and Mazgaon who have now decided to take the matter to court. "Senior civic officials will meet the contractor and we expect it to be sorted within a week's time," added the civic official.