The Lokhandwala-Yari Road Bridge Plan is Back on Track in November 2023, Could Boost Property Prices

Resumption of the Lokhandwala-Yari Road Bridge by The BMC With a Tender For INR 42 Cr 

Andheri West, Mumbai:

Following nearly two decades of deliberation and uncertainty, the construction of a vehicular bridge linking Lokhandwala and Yari Road in Andheri has once again resumed.

This will undoubtedly be a big boost for real estate in Lokhandwala, Yari Road and other connected pockets of Andheri west. Also there would be a strong impact on the bookings of new projects in Lokhandwala and Yari Road - recently launched by developers.

The BMC issued a tender worth Rs 42 crore earlier this week for the development of a vehicular bridge connecting the Yari Road junction and Lokhandwala back road in Andheri. Five minutes is anticipated to be added to the travel time due to this bridge.It is anticipated that the pre-bid meeting for the aforementioned will occur on 28th November 2023.

According to locals, this bridge design has been in the works for over two decades; however, its implementation has been impeded by protracted legal conflicts.

A representative of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens' Association (LOCA), stated that this bridge would provide an alternative route for Yari Road and Versova residents to use when the Versova-Bandra sea link opens, thereby reducing their commute time for northbound travel.

The current estimated duration of the projects is 18 months.

Civic records indicate that the bridge was initially suggested in 2002, and a request for bids was issued in 2014. During that period, the estimated cost of the undertaking was Rs 16 crore, and a contractor was contracted. However, protraction ensued as a result of legal obstacles. According to civic sources, the project will require a new contractor because the previous one refused to work at the initial cost.

In 2019, concerned local citizens petitioned the Bombay High Court in a public interest litigation regarding the anticipated devastation of mangroves as a result of the bridge project. Additionally, it requested that the BMC and MMRDA reassess the proposition to link Versova and Lokhandwala.

The BMC described the project as "environmentally friendly" and stated that it completes the missing link between Lokhandwala and Versova across the creek, reducing travel time from the current 35 minutes to five minutes, as well as fuel consumption and traffic congestion.

Since all other authorizations were in effect, the BMC stated it was awaiting forest department approval before replanting trees, as it had previously guaranteed.

In dismissing the PIL, the HC bench assessed the petitioners a penalty of Rs 2 lakh. The residents subsequently petitioned for special leave in order to appeal the HC ruling.