Malad Locals Protest BMC’s Closure of Key Bridge for Bikers

Mumbai, Malad: Hundreds of Malad residents, led by NGOs and local political leaders under the banner of Malwani Vikas Manch, staged a protest outside the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) office on Monday, demanding the reopening of a crucial bridge that was recently shut for bikers.

The bridge, built over the Malwani-Evershine Nagar creek in Malad West, served as a vital shortcut for bikers to reach Link Road. However, the BMC permanently closed it by demolishing its ramps and placing cement barriers, sparking outrage among daily commuters.

Advocate Saeed Shaikh alleged that the bridge closure was a conspiracy to benefit local builders, while social worker Rizwana Khan questioned the BMC’s stance, pointing out that the bridge was reconstructed in 2018 for ₹7 crore with ramps for bikers. “If it wasn’t meant for bikers, why was no notice issued before closing it?” she asked, demanding its reopening until an alternative route is provided.

Social worker Jamil Merchant has also filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court, calling the closure a violation of fundamental rights. “Nearly 49,000 people have signed a petition urging authorities to reopen the bridge, but no action has been taken,” he stated.

However, P North Municipal Ward Officer Kundan Vali maintained that the bridge was originally meant for water pipelines, electric cables, and pedestrians, adding that the increasing number of bikers posed a safety risk. He assured that an alternative bridge connecting Malwani to Link Road has been approved, with the tendering process set to begin soon.

Despite these assurances, protesters have warned of a hunger strike at Azad Maidan if their demands are not met.