The Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai, reported to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that the superstructure of the Andheri flyover on the Western Express Highway near Chakala junction in Andheri East is unsafe.
They emphasized that immediate repair is required. However, no repair work has been carried out on the flyover as of now.
This is majorly due to the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority’s (MMRDA) lack of structural designs and clarity regarding applicable procedures, endangering the lives of several commuters.
According to Hindustan Times, the BMC took possession of WEH from the MMRDA in November 2022. Following the VJTI’s audit report, in May, the BMC requested permission from the MMRDA, in a letter, to remove the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) framework underneath the flyover, evacuate people under the bridge and send space allocation documents to the appropriate government offices.
They are also asked to provide comprehensive structural drawings, designs and loading calculations and reimburse roughly Rs 95 crore for major repairs and structural audit costs through the state government or MMRDA/PWD.
Also, the BMC, requested information about ownership records, pending court cases and permits for space use beneath the bridge.
The Chief Engineer of BMC’s bridges department, earlier in his letter to the MMRDA’s chief engineer quoted the VJTI’s April audit report, stating that the flyover is in a damaged condition and requires immediate repairing work. “The severely damaged/ crushed pedestals need to be recast on an immediate basis with the placement of new bearings. Temporary metal stools/ plates need to be placed till pedestals are recast,” the letter read.
However, the MMRDA didn’t officially respond to the letter. A senior official of the MMRDA told HT that the department was not aware of the details of this issue.
Anyhow, the flyover has been handed over to the BMC, if they want to remove the structure under the bridge they can do it on their own and doesn’t require MMRDA’s permission.The building proposal department of BMC sanctions permissions. “Why does it seek the MMRDA’s intervention?” the official said.
VJTI, in their audit report, suggested removing the RCC framework below the flyover as it was in poor condition and obstructed the superstructure’s vision. Based on the recommendations, the head engineer of BMC invited tenders for the required repairs and discovered that it was missing the original loading calculations, design specifications and structural drawings.
“Clearing this space and obtaining structural drawings are crucial for strengthening the flyover’s substructure and superstructure to enhance safety for pedestrians beneath the flyover,” BMC wrote in their letter to MMRDA. Also, it stated that there are no legal cases preventing the necessary actions.
Apart from this, the letter also mentioned the Bombay High Court’s orders in PIL(L) No 126 of 2016, stating, “The court has instructed action against responsible parties for deteriorated bridges under MMRDA/ PWD. As a result, immediate action is requested in light of this bridge’s deteriorating condition over a relatively short period of 30 years.”
The Andheri flyover was opened in 2002.
Comments
0 comment