In a significant infrastructure move that has disrupted daily commutes, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completely demolished the SVP Nagar bridge connecting Yari Road and Lokhandwala in Andheri West. The demolition, which began on Wednesday, has created massive traffic bottlenecks throughout the area.
Traffic Chaos Grips Western Suburbs
The bridge demolition has transformed the normally busy Yari Road into a virtual parking lot, with vehicles crawling at snail's pace during peak hours. Commuters traveling between Lokhandwala and Versova are facing the brunt of this disruption, with many reporting travel time increases of over an hour for short distances.
Local residents and business owners have expressed mixed reactions to the development. While many acknowledge the necessity of replacing the aging structure, the immediate impact on daily life has been severe. "What normally takes 15 minutes now takes over an hour. The traffic is completely chaotic," shared Rohan Mehta, a regular commuter through the area.
BMC's Plan and Timeline
According to BMC officials, the demolition was essential as the bridge had been declared unsafe for vehicular traffic. The civic body has assured that the reconstruction work will be completed within a specific timeframe, though exact dates haven't been publicly disclosed.
The traffic police department has implemented several alternative routes to manage the situation:
- Use of SV Road and Link Road as primary alternatives
- Increased traffic personnel deployment in affected areas
- Special arrangements for emergency vehicles
- Diversion plans for heavy vehicles
Impact on Local Businesses and Residents
The demolition has significantly affected local businesses in the vicinity, with many reporting decreased footfall due to the traffic nightmare. Delivery services and public transportation have also been severely impacted, causing delays in essential services.
"We understand the inconvenience caused to citizens, but this is a necessary step for public safety. We request people to cooperate and use alternative routes until the new bridge is operational," stated a BMC official involved in the project.
The authorities have urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance and consider using public transportation where possible to minimize the impact on their daily schedules.
