Crack causes jam at flyover
Part of 13-yr-old Dindoshi bridge caves in, raises concerns over safety, causes traffic jam
MUMBAI: A part of Dindoshi flyover caved in on Tuesday, raising questions about the safety of the motorists and the construction quality of the flyover, which was built in 2000.
Early on Tuesday, a part measuring about five square metres on the middle lane of the south-bound side of the flyover caved in. Following the incident, the damaged portion was cordoned off and traffic was diverted. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd (MSRDC) officials claimed that the flyover was safe despite its structural damage. They, however, did not seem to be in a mood to take strict action against the contractor. “We are investigating the matter and working over solutions to fix the damaged portion. After the probe, we will decide our next course of action,” said SM Ramchandani, joint managing director, MSRDC.
The Dindoshi flyover has been constructed in two parts – the south-bound lane was built in late 2000, while the north-bound part was constructed in 2008.
“It appears that poor quality of concrete is responsible for the structural damage. We have to consult a structural engineer before we repair it. We may have to cut the damaged portion and concretise it, so repairs may take about a week,” said a senior MSRDC official, requesting anonymity.
The flyover comes under jurisdiction of the MSRDC and is maintained by Mumbai Entry Points Ltd (MEPL). MEPL officials claimed that structural damage was out of its scope. “We are supposed to look after beautification and pothole-fixing,” said an MEPL official.
Although no casualties were reported, there was major traffic congestion on the Western Express Highway (WEH), inconveniencing commuters.
SF Dalavi, senior police inspector of the Goregaon traffic unit, said, “Initially, the damage was considered as a big pothole. But it was found to be a structural damage, so we had to cordon off that portion. The middle lane of the south-bound side will be kept closed for traffic till MSRDC fixes the damaged part.”