The Himalaya Bridge in South Mumbai, a crucial pedestrian pathway, is undergoing enhancements with the installation of an escalator to facilitate smoother passenger movement. Despite the initial project completion target set for March 2024, officials now anticipate the escalator to be operational by the first week of January.
The bridge suffered a significant collapse during peak hours in March 2019, resulting in nine fatalities and at least 31 injuries. Subsequently, the entire structure was dismantled, and a new bridge was erected, becoming operational in March of the current year.
The newly constructed bridge initially only featured staircases. To enhance accessibility, the civic body has commenced the installation of the escalator, with officials projecting its operation within the next two months.
Spanning over D N Road in South Mumbai, the bridge connects Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with the Anjuman-i-Islam University. Civic authorities have strategically chosen to install the escalator adjacent to the pedestrian walkway on the university side.
“The existing staircase will remain in its current location, with the escalator serving as an additional extension to the bridge. Recognizing that the majority of commuters enter from the university side during peak hours, we’ve opted to install the escalator there,” stated a civic official.
The budget allocated for this new escalator is Rs 1.3 crore, with the BMC having already invested Rs 6 crore in the construction of the new bridge, a robust steel structure.