Summary:
The SMC constructed a parallel bridge connecting Sardar Bridge from Adajan to Athwalines. The widened portion of Sardar Bridge will increase its capacity to carry 20,000 passenger car units (PCU) per hour during peak hour from the current 11,000 PCUs. At present, more than 4.35 lakh people commute from Sardar Bridge on either sides for work per day.”A SMC traffic cell officer said, “Ever since the widened portion of Sardar Bridge was inaugurated in February, traffic movement has since been regulated. Now, the authorities believe that the widened portion of the bridge can only be inaugurated during Diwali season.Asked about the status of the widening of the second phase of Sardar Bridge and the cable-stayed bridge, Akshay Pandya, executive engineer, SMC’s bridge cell, said, “We were on our schedule, but heavy rain spoiled our plan to open the cable-stayed bridge in August. However, the work on the cable-stayed bridge was stalled for over a year, following the collapse of the curved portion of Athwalines flyover, claiming lives of 10 people.Pandya added, “The opening up of the cable-stayed bridge will help ease the burden of vehicles on Sardar Bridge..