Local MLA Ameet Satam indicated that, as of Monday, he anticipates the bridge may partially open in the first week of December.
However, BMC officials said that the November deadline was still possible subject to availability of mega blocks by railways which civic officials said had been conveyed to them earlier.
During a meeting held on Monday morning at the bridge construction site, attended by local citizens, Satam, along with the chief engineer of the bridge department, Sanjay Kaundanyapure, and deputy municipal commissioner Ulhas Mahale, discussed the necessity of demolishing approximately 32 structures adjacent to the work site before the assembly of girders can commence.
Satam said that this was a case of miscommunication between the local ward office and bridges department.
“The structures were visible from the beginning and had the BMC worked on removal of it, the current delay in works that has been being caused could have been avoided,” said Satam.
Former BJP corporator Abhijit Samant, who was also present, agreed that there was no synchronization between the BMC’s own departments leading to the delay.
The green light for demolishing these structures only arrived on Monday during the meeting when Satam spoke to the municipal commissioner to expedite the process.
TOI was also present for the meeting.
The K east ward claimed they received a letter authorizing the demolition of structures within a 10-meter radius, while the bridges department insisted on a 15-meter clearance around the work site.
A senior officer from the K East ward reported that among the 32 structures, 19 were deemed commercial but illegal.
Of the remaining 13, which are residential, only four met eligibility criteria and will require alternative accommodation.
The officer stated, “We have already requested police protection to facilitate the demolition of these structures by the end of this week.”
Activist Zoru Bhathena who was also present at the meeting, said that he anticipates December end as the opening of the bridge.
“This too provided there is no heavy rain, or holidays taken from works during the festive period or any other hidden surprises,” said Bhathena.
PHOTOS — UMA KADAM
