The Wait is Over: Fully Functional Gokhale Bridge Opens in Andheri.

The reconstructed Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge in Andheri, Mumbai, became fully operational on May 11, 2025, restoring a vital east-west connection after a seven-year closure. Spanning 511 meters and 27 meters wide, the bridge links the Western Express Highway in Andheri East to Swami Vivekanand Road in Andheri West via Teli Gully. It features three lanes in each direction, pedestrian walkways, and a 90-meter section over railway tracks.

Demolition and reconstruction began in March 2021, with rail-overpass work starting in April 2023. The first phase, allowing west-to-east movement for light vehicles, opened in February 2024. Progress was delayed due to a misalignment with the Barfiwala Flyover, built over a decade earlier. Engineering teams from IIT Bombay and VJTI were brought in to correct the alignment by lifting the Barfiwala Flyover’s arms using hydraulic jacks.

With the second phase now complete, the bridge was officially inaugurated by State IT and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who hailed it as a “unique example of engineering excellence.”

BMC Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar also announced that two more critical bridges—the Vikhroli East-West Connector and the Carnac Bridge—will open by May 31 and June 10, respectively. The reopening of the Gokhale Bridge is expected to greatly reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility across Andheri.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.