The recent opening of the Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge in Andheri has been a welcome development for commuters and pedestrians alike. Yet, amidst the relief, the bridge’s partial functionality has brought to light a series of connectivity challenges, leaving many residents and motorists in a state of flux.

Motorists, while appreciative of the time saved with the bridge’s opening, have raised concerns about the incomplete connectivity, particularly the lack of access from Teli Gali to the bridge, hindering direct entry onto S V Road from the Western Express Highway junction. BMC officials reassure the public that pending minor works will soon address these issues, but the wait continues.

Bharat Shah, a Juhu resident, acknowledges the significant time saved in his daily commute to Chakala, but stresses the necessity of configuring signals on S V Road to facilitate smoother access to the bridge, especially after Shoppers Stop.

Similarly, Akanksha Patankar highlights the pressing need for entry and exit points at Teli Gali, underscoring the relative ease of implementing solutions like constructing ramps and removing barricades. These enhancements, she argues, would greatly alleviate access concerns for residents in Andheri East.

Conversely, Dilip Nayak, an Andheri West resident, expresses his newfound joy in walking across the bridge, citing the inconvenience caused by its closure and the subsequent need to purchase a railway pass. For him, the bridge’s reopening signifies not just convenience but a return to a simpler, more pedestrian-friendly commute.

The Gokhale Bridge saga encapsulates a mix of relief and challenges, emblematic of the intricate urban infrastructure dynamics in bustling cities like Mumbai. As authorities work to address connectivity gaps and streamline access points, residents remain hopeful for a smoother journey ahead, one where bridges serve as gateways to convenience rather than barriers to progress.