Marwah Road Opens after Three-Year Saga of Delays and Protests

Marwah Bridge, a critical artery connecting Powai and Marol, has reopened to traffic at last.

After an painfull wait of three years, multiple missed deadlines, and fervent action by the Shiv Sainiks, Marwah Road was finally opened to traffic on Wednesday, July 10. This thoroughfare provides a vital shortcut from Powai to Marol via the Marwah Bridge, enabling commuters to reach areas such as Marol, MIDC, and Mahakali in just 5 to 10 minutes.

The journey to this point has been long and fraught with challenges. The BMC initiated the bridge’s expansion in October 2018, but the project faced a major setback when part of the bridge wall collapsed during repairs, necessitating a complete rebuild. As a result, the project’s cost ballooned from Rs.14.22 crores to Rs.26.07 crores.

Complications mounted when a vast network of water lines and high-pressure power lines belonging to Tata and Adani were identified within the planned area. This discovery led to an additional Rs.3.37 crore in costs, bringing the total expenditure to Rs.29.44 crores. The reconstruction, which began in 2021, saw its deadline pushed from December 2023 to May 2024.

Despite these extensions, the project remained incomplete by June 2, 2024. Frustrated by the persistent delays, Shiv Sainiks from the Shiv Sena Shinde group, led by Ashok Matekar, took aggressive action. They disrupted the contractor’s office and equipment, issuing stern warnings to both the BMC and the contractor to expedite the project or face further protests.

This agitation prompted a final deadline of June 30, 2024. Even as this deadline passed, the pressure from the Shiv Sainiks intensified, leading to the bridge’s eventual opening on July 10.

The reopening ceremony was a significant event, attended by local MLA Dilip Lande, assembly chief Ashok Matekar, former corporator Ashwini Matekar, and numerous Shiv Sainiks, along with members of the Marol Residents Association.

After a tumultuous series of events, Marwah Road is now operational, promising smoother commutes and better connectivity for the residents of Powai and Marol.