Finally, Versova bridge opens for traffic after 5 months

The five months ordeal for motorists has finally ended as the Versova bridge has been shut since 26 December. The National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) missed two deadlines and have now allowed only Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) for the initial days.

The 40 years old bridge is one of the major bridges which connect the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway 8 to Mumbai, Bhiwandi and Nashik. Vehicular movement was restricted after the speed boat of Thane Rural's Marine police noticed cracks on it and shut it for repairs. Vehicular movement was allowed on one side, with motorists stopping at intervals, creating chaos and accidents. Over 50 policemen were posted for safe movement of vehicles, while more than 150 people worked day and night for five months to repair the bridge.

"Approximately Rs7 crore was spent on the repair work of bridge's middle girder, which developed cracks. We had to operate with precaution and brought the iron girder and other materials by road from the manufacturing unit," said an official with NHAI.

"A specialized workforce was working day and night and we have now opened it for only LMVs. We will review it again this week. Repairing it was a difficult task since it is above the creek and work could be only done from the above," said Mukund Attarde, NHAI Manager.