Mumbai: BMC will start repair work of 35 bridges in Borivali and Dahisar

Mumbai: The BMC has carried out minor and major repair works on bridges across the city, as per the recommendations of a consultancy firm. The civic authorities have already appointed a contractor for the repair works in the eastern and western suburbs (Andheri to Malad) at a cost of Rs 100 crore. Now the proposal to repair 35 bridges in Borivali and Dahisar has been approved.

Last year, BMC had appointed SGS Consultancy Services to survey bridges in the city. Following the recommendations of the SGS, the civic body will repair 15 bridges, including four foot-over bridges (FOBs) in Mumbai.

20 bridges will be repaired in Borivali

Swastik Construction bid 33% less than the estimated cost (Rs 6.63 crore) to win the contract for repair work in Dahisar. In the Borivali area, 20 bridges, including skywalks, will be repaired by Yogesh Construction, which won the contract worth Rs 13 crore.

An official said the repairs would include replacing bearings, filling cracks with concrete, repairing gaps and strengthening girders, dividers and walls.

Delay in other development schemes of BMC also

Meanwhile, BMC’s plan to convert Dahisar and Mankhurd Octroi Naka into transport and commercial hubs is yet to materialise. As per the suggestion of the consultants, various facilities like restaurants, parking lots and an exhibition center etc. will be built on the vacant land of Octroi Nakas. The estimated cost of the project is approximately ₹1,300 crore.

5 toll booths in the city

There are five toll posts in the city – one each at Mankhurd, Dahisar, Airoli and two at Mulund. BMC used to collect tax in the form of octroi tax from vehicles entering or exiting the city through these checkpoints. This tax was abolished after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017. Since then these blocks are lying vacant. BMC decided to convert them into transport and commercial hubs to generate revenue.