The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Extends Deadline for Vidyavihar Over-Bridge Completion
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced an extension of the deadline for completing the Vidyavihar Railway Over-Bridge (ROB) project. Originally scheduled to be completed by December 2024, the new target date for the project is now March 2026. This extension comes as a result of various obstacles, including over 80 structures and 180 trees that are impeding the progress of the second phase of the project.
Challenges Faced in Completing the Vidyavihar ROB Project
The Vidyavihar ROB project was initiated in 2016 with the goal of easing traffic congestion between the eastern suburbs of Ghatkopar and Vidyavihar. The completion of the first phase of the project earlier this year marked a significant milestone, with the installation of two open-web girders across the railway tracks – the longest ever installed over railway tracks in India, measuring 99.34 meters in length.
However, the second phase of the project has encountered obstacles in the form of structures and trees that are obstructing the construction of approach roads on both the eastern and western sides of the ROB. Approximately 87 structures have been identified along the proposed alignment of these roads, with 27 structures on the western side and 60 structures on the eastern side. These structures include shops, residential buildings, religious structures, commercial buildings, and a civic lavatory block.
In addition to the structures, 180 trees have been identified that will need to be relocated or removed to make way for the construction. The BMC has informed the tree authority about this matter and is awaiting their assessment on the number of trees that will need to be cut down or replanted. The local ward has already begun modifying bids and demolishing some of the obstructing buildings, with officials requesting the removal of the remaining structures within the next two months.
Progress and Future Plans for the Vidyavihar ROB Project
The same contractor who completed the first phase of the project has been awarded the contract for the second phase, which is expected to cost INR 69.50 crore. Following the monsoon season, the BMC plans to accelerate work on the approach roads starting in October. Once completed, the Vidyavihar ROB will not only alleviate traffic congestion in the area but also provide direct access to Ramkrishna Chemburkar Marg and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (LBS).
The BMC’s decision to extend the deadline for the Vidyavihar ROB project reflects the challenges faced in completing such large-scale infrastructure projects in a densely populated urban environment like Mumbai. While delays are inevitable when dealing with obstacles such as structures and trees, the BMC remains committed to ensuring the successful completion of the project for the benefit of the local community and commuters in the area.