21 Mumbai FoBs to lose roofs, get lighter

On March 14, the FoB near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) collapsed, killing seven people and injuring 31 others.

Months after the Himalaya Bridge collapse, the Metropolitan commissioner has ordered the removal of roofs from 21 foot overbridges (FoB) along the eastern and western express highways of the city.

Representational image (Kunal Patil/HT Photo)

RA Rajeev, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA said that the move is to both, ensure safety and enhance its aesthetics. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rajeev said, “The roofs of FoBs look shabby and also weaken the structure owing to their weight. I have also insisted that there are no advertising boards on the FoBs. This will lighten the load on FoBs further.”

On March 14, the FoB near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) collapsed, killing seven people and injuring 31 others. In the aftermath of the incident, MMRDA is carrying out a structural audit of eight FoBs on the western express highway. The audit is being undertaken by the Veermata Jijabai Technology Institute. It will also undertake an audit of the 13 FoBs on the eastern express highway.

Rajeev further said, “We will also undertake beautification of the median and spaces below the flyover on both the highways.”