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The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in the city, has recently been opened to the public after a construction period of six years. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is currently facing challenges in completing two road overbridges, each comprising only three percent of the MTHL's overall size. This discrepancy has raised concerns about coordination issues within government agencies responsible for these projects.
The MTHL, spanning 21 kilometers as a sea bridge, commenced construction in April 2018 and was completed after six years of extensive work. In contrast, the BMC initiated the construction of two road overbridges—one in Vikhroli and the other in Vidyavihar—around the same time. Despite their significantly smaller scale, these overbridges are experiencing delays, prompting questions about the efficiency of coordination and project management.
The Vikhroli road overbridge, approximately 656 meters long, was started in May 2018 with an initial completion deadline set for October 2022. However, the BMC has extended the deadline to June 2023 due to various factors contributing to the delay. According to BMC officials, design changes suggested by the Railways, encroachments in certain areas, and the need to shift underground utilities have all contributed to the prolonged construction period. Moreover, the revised design, incorporating suggestions from IIT Bombay, resulted in an increased project cost—from Rs 47.75 crore to Rs 97.37 crore.
A similar situation is observed with the Vidyavihar road overbridge, where construction began in March 2018. Originally expected to be completed by mid-2022, the BMC has now promised completion by mid-2024. The reasons for this delay are similar to those of the Vikhroli bridge—encroachments, design changes in line with upgraded Railway guidelines, and the need to shift a ticket-booking counter. Additionally, the project's cost has escalated from the original Rs 99.98 crore to Rs 178.93 crore due to changes in design and an increase in length.
Activists and experts have pointed to a historical lack of coordination among government agencies as a significant factor contributing to delays in Mumbai's infrastructure projects.
Despite efforts to improve Mumbai's infrastructure, the challenges faced by the BMC in completing smaller-scale projects compared to the MTHL have sparked discussions about the need for enhanced coordination, efficient project management, and a strategic approach to address the city's infrastructure requirements. As Mumbai continues to grow, addressing these concerns becomes crucial for ensuring timely and effective completion of infrastructure initiatives.
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