Mumbai: Viral Video Shows Narrow & Unclean Footpath On Andheri's Gokhale Bridge, Inaugurated 2 Months Ago; Netizens Call It 'Gutkhafied'

Mumbai: Just two months after the newly reconstructed Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge in Mumbai’s Andheri was fully opened to the public, concerns over pedestrian safety have surfaced. A video that went viral on social media over the weekend shows the dangerously narrow and unclean footpath on a portion of the bridge, sparking public criticism over the bridge's design and execution.

The video, posted on platform X by the user Indian Gems, shows a person walking along the footpath of the bridge. As the individual reaches the section built above the railway tracks, the footpath becomes noticeably narrow, with high concrete walls on both sides. Another pedestrian approaching from the opposite direction is seen turning sideways to avoid colliding with the person recording, showing the lack of walking space for two-way foot traffic.

Netizens React To Viral Video

The video quickly drew sharp reactions from netizens. While some criticised the civic authorities for poor planning and execution, others slammed the lack of cleanliness on the bridge, including visible gutkha stains and littering.

A few users defended the bridge's layout, suggesting that it is meant primarily for vehicles and that alternate pedestrian bridges are available nearby. However, many questioned why the new structure lacked basic considerations for pedestrian comfort and safety.

The Gokhale Bridge, a vital east-west connector in Mumbai’s western suburbs, was reopened on May 11, 2025, after being shut for nearly seven years. In 2018, a portion of the old bridge collapsed, resulting in two deaths and three injuries. The incident prompted a citywide audit of railway overpasses and led to the decision to reconstruct the entire bridge.

Gokhale Bridge's Reconstruction Timeline

The reconstruction project began in March 2021, with demolition of the old structure and construction of new approach roads. Work over the railway tracks started in April 2023. The first phase of the bridge, facilitating movement of light vehicles from west to east, opened in February 2024.

However, the project soon faced criticism when it was discovered that the new bridge did not align with the north arm of the Barfiwala Flyover. This led to delays and additional work, including lifting and realigning a portion of the flyover. The Barfiwala north arm reopened in July 2024. With the second phase completed earlier this year in May, the bridge became fully operational.

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