34 bridges dangerous, repair to take time

Despite the partial collapse of the Dharavi bridge, the repair of 34 other bridges across the city that were marked ‘dangerous’ by the civic body four years ago will have to wait.

Despite the partial collapse of the Dharavi bridge, the repair of 34 other bridges across the city that were marked ‘dangerous’ by the civic body four years ago will have to wait.

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The consultants appointed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to recommend measures to be taken to restore these bridges submitted their report just last month. It comes four years after the bridges were labelled as dangerous in a report by the state-appointed Standing Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).

Following the STAC’s report, the BMC had appointed consultants. “These reports have been submitted to an expert on bridges, who will study them. We will then table it before the STAC. If the STAC approves it, we will implement it,” said Satish Badwe, chief engineer (roads, traffic and bridges department), BMC.

To add to this long-winded process is the fact that the BMC will then have to appoint an agency to carry out the recommended work.

Experts said too much time has been wasted. “There has been inordinate delay in taking action. We have repeatedly expressed concern about the condition of the bridges,” said NV Merani, STAC chairman.

A portion of Dharavi bridge, which connects Mahim to Dharavi, caved in on Saturday owing to “structural failure”.

The BMC has appointed a consultant, who will submit an interim report on why the bridge collapsed, followed by a detailed report on measures to be taken to salvage the situation.

Till this is done, the bridge’s north-bound carriageway is shut for traffic.