The long-awaited Bopkhel-Khadki bridge construction, which faced delays due to a high-voltage transmission line tower obstruction, has resumed. Former Deputy Mayor Hirabai Ghule’s successful intervention has facilitated coordination between the PCMC administration and landowners, bringing hope for the completion of the project within two months.
The College of Military Engineering (CME) closed the Bopkhel to Dapodi road on May 13, 2015, redirecting citizens through a longer route, causing significant inconvenience. Following a directive from the Bombay High Court, the 1,866-meter bridge across the Mula River was initiated for the benefit of PCMC citizens. Delays ensued due to court proceedings and land acquisition challenges, but with recent progress on the Bopkhel side, construction on the Khadki side is set to resume.
To ensure security near Defence Department establishments, a five-meter-high boundary wall has been constructed on both sides of the bridge, with 1.5-meter-high safety walls in progress. The bridge traverses various terrains, including riverbeds, army railways, forest areas, roads, and Defence Department plots.
Despite challenges, 90% of the bridge construction is complete, with roads spanning eight meters to accommodate two lanes. The relocation of a high-voltage transmission lines tower posed a significant challenge, causing a temporary pause. Former Deputy Mayor Hirabai Ghule’s intervention broke the deadlock between the PCMC administration and landowners, allowing work to recommence.
PCMC Executive Engineer Mahesh Kawale expressed confidence in the project’s future, stating, “Confusion among landowners has been addressed, and construction has commenced. We anticipate the completion of the bridge work within the next two months.”
This development brings relief to Bopkhel residents who endured a 15-kilometer detour for nine years. The commitment to compensate landowners with Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) in the future paved the way for this crucial infrastructure project.
