In a major step towards modernization of Mumbai’s rail infrastructure, the Western Railway (WR) Division is all set to undertake a major overhaul of the British-era screw pile bridge between Mahim and Bandra spanning Mithi river.
The operation will include two 9.5-hour track blocks over one weekend, tentatively scheduled for the last week of January to demolish and replace the old structure.
The bridge in question, officially known as Bridge No. 20, is a relic of the colonial era, with its iconic iron screws serving as the bridge’s pillars. Originally made of cast iron and once considered an engineering marvel, these screw piles are now showing signs of significant wear and subsidence, especially along river banks. This degradation has necessitated urgent repairs and upgrades.
Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of WR said that the screw pile bridge is the last of its kind in operation on the railways. “The screw pile, which served as a strong foundation in its time, is now an old technology. The bridge is slowly sinking, it’s time to upgrade it,’ he says.
As part of the planned overhaul, WR will replace the existing screw pile of the southern abutment towards Churchgate with a raft foundation. In order to complete these critical tasks, the team will temporarily install a temporary relieving girder, extending beyond the reach of the current abutments, to support the structure, demolishing and rebuilding the south abutment. Once the new concrete abutment is in place, the original steel girder will be restored. It is expected that the work will be completed within two months with the final placement of the original girders before the monsoon. These blocks are planned to minimize inconvenience to commuters on weekend nights.
To ensure that Mithi River can be worked on, WR is constructing a cofferdam, a structure that can hold water and temporarily dry the area. Mithi Khola is an important river of the city and the coffers should be removed before monsoon, the official said. Therefore, all works need to be completed before the coming monsoon as ordered by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to remove complaints of water logging issues.
“During these two block nights, traffic will stop on the lines where the block is taken,” explains Abhishek. “This will affect suburban and mail and express services. Specific details will be shared after getting final approval for the block,” he added.
The project marks an important milestone in the ongoing modernization of Mumbai’s rail infrastructure, aimed at ensuring the safety and longevity of the city’s vital rail links.
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