Good news for Mumbai commuters! The much-awaited Gokhale Bridge in Andheri is all set to open ahead of schedule. Originally slated for a mid-May launch, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) now plans to throw it open to the public in the first week of May.
The civic body has wrapped up 100% of the civil work, including the main structure, approach roads, and the connecting stretch to the CD Barfiwala bridge. Even the concrete curing between the Teli Galli bridge and Gokhale bridge on Prof. NS Phadke Road is done. Now, only the final touches remain, installing crash barriers, railings, road markings, signage, and painting.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar, who inspected the site on Friday, confirmed that the bridge will open once the traffic police give the green signal.
For those who don’t know, Gokhale Bridge was shut down in 2022 and has been partially operational only for light vehicles since then. However, ongoing work on the JVPD bridge has narrowed the road on the west side. To ease traffic, Bangar has directed officials to streamline movement from the new southern slope of the Barfiwala bridge, where the approach road is being restored.
Vikhroli east-west connector nearing completion too
In another update, the BMC is also fast-tracking work on the Vikhroli East-West connector, which is 95% complete. Officials aim to open this bridge before the monsoon hits.
The remaining work involves three spans near St Joseph’s School on the western side, where the deck slab is yet to be laid. Given the area’s proximity to a school and railway station, construction is moving cautiously. If all goes well, the BMC expects to finish everything by 31st May 2025.
Once operational, this flyover will cut travel time and fuel costs for commuters heading from the Eastern Express Highway towards Powai. It’ll also be a major relief for residents near Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, and Kanjur Marg railway stations.
So, Mumbai, get ready for smoother rides soon!
