Ghatkopar Bridge Delay Extended to June 2027 Over Encroachment Issues

15 May 2025 CW Team

Originally built during the British era, the 78-year-old bridge gained priority after the collapse of the Gokhale Bridge, which led to structural audits across Mumbai. The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) identified the Ghatkopar ROB as being overloaded and in urgent need of renovation. Consequently, the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), funded by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), was tasked with the rebuilding project.

The new design proposes a cable-stayed bridge over the railway tracks along with a bowstring steel span over Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road. This design aims to remove the need for support pillars beneath heavily trafficked roads, thus preventing additional congestion. Moreover, the structure will intersect two metro corridors and the forthcoming bullet train line, positioning it as a key transport hub.

Although work orders were issued in 2022, the project has encountered several delays. Currently, only maintenance work is keeping the aging bridge functional, with heavy vehicles prohibited from crossing it. As a consequence, BEST buses and commercial vehicles have had to take longer alternate routes, which has adversely affected connectivity to places such as Sakinaka and the international airport.

A local resident, Ajay Bagal, pointed out that the biggest obstacle has been encroachments along the approach roads, particularly on the west side, where shops and a recently constructed Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building have blocked the alignment. While the MRIDC is responsible for the bridge’s construction, it has stated that clearing these encroachments falls under the jurisdiction of the BMC.

It is expected that the right-hand lanes of the new bridge will be completed within a year, after which the old bridge will be dismantled and traffic diverted. Until then, alternative east-west routes at Vidyavihar and Vikhroli will provide partial relief, although Bagal emphasized that the Ghatkopar ROB remains essential to reducing pressure on one of the city’s most congested corridors.

News source: Urban Acres

The completion timeline for the Ghatkopar railway overbridge (ROB) in Mumbai has been extended by nearly two years, shifting from the original 2025 deadline to June 2027. The bridge, which serves as a crucial connection between Ghatkopar East and West, is undergoing a full reconstruction aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the eastern suburbs of the city.Originally built during the British era, the 78-year-old bridge gained priority after the collapse of the Gokhale Bridge, which led to structural audits across Mumbai. The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) identified the Ghatkopar ROB as being overloaded and in urgent need of renovation. Consequently, the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), funded by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), was tasked with the rebuilding project.The new design proposes a cable-stayed bridge over the railway tracks along with a bowstring steel span over Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road. This design aims to remove the need for support pillars beneath heavily trafficked roads, thus preventing additional congestion. Moreover, the structure will intersect two metro corridors and the forthcoming bullet train line, positioning it as a key transport hub.Although work orders were issued in 2022, the project has encountered several delays. Currently, only maintenance work is keeping the aging bridge functional, with heavy vehicles prohibited from crossing it. As a consequence, BEST buses and commercial vehicles have had to take longer alternate routes, which has adversely affected connectivity to places such as Sakinaka and the international airport.A local resident, Ajay Bagal, pointed out that the biggest obstacle has been encroachments along the approach roads, particularly on the west side, where shops and a recently constructed Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building have blocked the alignment. While the MRIDC is responsible for the bridge’s construction, it has stated that clearing these encroachments falls under the jurisdiction of the BMC.It is expected that the right-hand lanes of the new bridge will be completed within a year, after which the old bridge will be dismantled and traffic diverted. Until then, alternative east-west routes at Vidyavihar and Vikhroli will provide partial relief, although Bagal emphasized that the Ghatkopar ROB remains essential to reducing pressure on one of the city’s most congested corridors.News source: Urban Acres

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..