The BMC has started awarding contracts to reconstruct the bridges which were declared as dangerous. But the cost of these bridges has gone up by 22 percent. The civic body has now awarded Rs 4.35 crore contract for the reconstruction of two foot overbridges outside the Marine Lines railway station, which means the cost has gone up by 22 percent which was earlier estimated at Rs 3.27 core.
According to DNA, the bridges, once situated on the north and south side of the Marine Lines station, were classified as C1 [under the BMC's classification of dangerous buildings], which means it was 'very dangerous'. After demolishing the part of the bridges over the road, the Bridges department started a tender process. While the estimated cost of both the bridges was around Rs 3.27 crore, the lowest bidder put a 29 percent higher price. After negotiation, the BMC proposed to increase the estimated cost by 22%. Adding other charges that include water and supervision, the estimated cost of the construction of the two bridges now stands at Rs. 5.60 crore.
The construction of these bridges will be completed in 18 months. Rita Makwana, a local corporator, told the DNA, "After the demolition of the Charni Road bridge, people of Girgaon used these bridges to reach the railway station. With these bridges demolished, most of the commuters of Chandanwadi Crematorium are now using the north-end bridge."
"The bridges are important links for traffic and pedestrian movement. We have started the tender process and are aiming to start re-construction work as early as the end of monsoon," said Sanjay Darade, Chief of Bridges Department, BMC, told DNA.
Earlier, the BMC had conducted audits of bridges in which its consultant found 14 bridges in dilapidated condition. But later, again re-audit was conducted of suburban bridges and 15 more bridges were found to be dangerous. From these 29 bridges, eight bridges are already demolished and the two Marine Lines bridges are amongst them.
