BMC floats tenders for resurfacing of three important bridges in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated tenders for resurfacing three crucial bridges in the island city to give motorists some long-awaited relief.

To improve the riding quality of Currey Road and JSS (Jagannath Shankar Sheth) bridges and the Keshavsut flyover, the civic body has floated tenders worth Rs7.53 crore. A proposal in this regard is expected to be discussed by the standing committee in a month, if all goes well as far as administrative procedure is concerned.
Resurfacing of the three bridges is different from the maintenance works the civic body undertakes ahead of monsoon, civic officials said, adding that the work should ensure the bridges give smooth ride for at least the next three years. "We have received nod from the traffic police to carry out the resurfacing works. Accordingly, the works will be undertaken once the proposals are approved," SO Kori, chief engineer (bridges), said.

Given that the three bridges are located in the areas of Currey Road and Dadar, traffic in the region is likely to be hit once the works get underway. The issue, however, will be addressed in coordination with the traffic police, the official said. "Since vehicular movement in this part of the city is heavy, we will carry out resurfacing works at night, ideally between 11.30pm and 5am. The work will be done in a lane-by-lane manner. So, a lane will always be available for movement at night too," Kori explained.

The BMC plans to carry out the resurfacing works using the hot mix technology (asphalt).

Residents have demanded that the BMC expedite the resurfacing works. "The Currey Road bridge is in a bad shape and closed for vehicular movement for over a year now. The BMC should ensure it is resurfaced speedily to give motorists relief by giving east-west connectivity," Satyasheel Tawade, a resident of Currey Road, insisted.

Meanwhile, resurfacing of another crucial bridge connecting east and west near Elphinstone railway station is set to take more time. "We are trying to get permission from the traffic wing. Besides, we can't take on resurfacing of both the Currey Road and Elphinstone Road at the same time. Or else, it will result in traffic concerns," Kori said.