Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Monday made it clear that he will not allow any arbitrary actions that inconvenience the residents of Girgaon and reaffirmed that the long-pending Cherni Road–Kelewadi
bridge will be completed at any cost. Lodha was speaking to the media after participating in a protest held by local residents, or Girgaonkars, outside Saifee Hospital, which has been opposing the bridge project.
Addressing the gathering, the minister strongly criticised the Saifee Hospital administration, accusing it of repeatedly creating hurdles in a project meant purely for public convenience. “This bridge is not a luxury. It is a basic necessity for Girgaonkars. Any attempt to block it will not be tolerated,” Lodha said, adding that he stands firmly with the residents and their long-standing demand.
The bridge, which aims to connect Cherni Road with Kelewadi in Girgaon, is expected to significantly ease local movement and improve connectivity in the congested area. Minister Lodha has been pursuing the project for the past three years. During this period, he held several meetings with senior officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and representatives of Saifee Hospital, which has consistently opposed the construction.
Following sustained follow-up, the BMC granted approval for the bridge and also sanctioned funds for the project. However, Saifee Hospital later approached the court, objecting to the construction. Taking into account the difficulties faced by local residents, the court allowed the BMC to go ahead with the project. Based on this order, the civic body began construction work.
According to officials, nearly 60 per cent of the bridge work had already been completed when fresh obstacles were allegedly created by the hospital administration. This led to strong resentment among residents, who launched a protest to highlight the issue. Minister Lodha joined the agitation and assured people that he would continue to fight for their rights until the bridge becomes operational.
The situation escalated further when the bridge work was halted abruptly, without any prior notice to residents. Taking serious note of this, Lodha convened a meeting at the BMC headquarters and sought an explanation from Additional Municipal Commissioner Chandrashekhar Chore. Unsatisfied with the response, the minister directed civic officials to immediately resume work as per the court’s directions.
Lodha said he has clearly instructed the BMC not to bow to any pressure and to ensure the project is completed without further delay. “I will keep pursuing this issue until the bridge is fully completed and opened for the people of Girgaon,” he said, underlining his commitment to the local community.
