Mumbai: Civic activist Kamlakar Shenoy has objected to the closure of the 125-year-old Elphinstone Bridge, alleging a history of reckless demolition without planning for timely reconstruction. The activist has demanded that the bridge’s closure should not be initiated without a formal readiness report, an alternate traffic route, and pedestrian pathway, and its reopening within 18 months.
Residents Protest Against The Closure Of The Bridge
On Friday evening, residents of buildings around the Elphinstone Bridge flyover protested against the closure of the bridge ordered by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The bridge is expected to be closed for two years to facilitate the demolition and reconstruction as part of the Worli-Sewri Elevated Connector project. Following the protest, the work has been stopped until Monday.
On Saturday, civic activist Kamlakar Shenoy wrote a letter to the joint commissioner of police (traffic) objecting to the closure of the bridge. He alleged that the public has repeatedly suffered due to the reckless demolition of bridges without planning for timely reconstruction. The letter stated that the Hancock Bridge had been demolished 10 years ago, but still remains incomplete. He alleged that the bridge was declared dangerous without any structural report on record.
Similarly, Shenoy also mentioned that the Carnac Bridge was demolished in 2022 without proper planning after being declared unsafe. He added that the bridge is still under construction and its completion date is uncertain, adding to the traffic woes in South Mumbai. Moreover, the activist mentioned nine other bridges which have been shut down for reconstruction but are taking ages to near completion.
Shenoy alleged that none of the essential preparatory work was completed even after three years of starting the demolition process. He alleged that the consultants were not appointed in a timely manner, drawings were not finalised, permissions were not fully obtained, contractors were not appointed, and materials were not procured.
The activist has demanded that the closure of Elphinstone Bridge must not proceed unless a formal readiness report is submitted and made public, all preparatory work is completed, and an alternative traffic route and pedestrian pathway are provided. He added that a formal written statement must be issued by the authority stating that no permissions are pending, and the bridge should be reopened after completion within 18 months.
He also demanded the Jt.CP not to provide a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the closure of the bridge until verifying and confirming mandatory preparedness and readiness. “The people of Mumbai have suffered enough due to unplanned bridge demolitions followed by years of inaction. We demand that the mistakes of Hancock and Carnac not be repeated. Infrastructure development must proceed with integrity, planning, and above all, public accountability,” said Shenoy.
