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Mumbai: New ‘Cable-Stayed’ Bellasis Bridge Likely To Open By October 2025; Check Project Details Here

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Mumbai: A new cable-stayed Bellasis Bridge between Mumbai Central and Grant Road will become operational reportedly by October 2025. Replacing the old structure built in 1893, this modern bridge promises to improve east-west connectivity between Nagpada and Tardeo significantly.

The old Bellasis Bridge, which served as a key railway overbridge (ROB), was deemed structurally unfit following an audit in 2018. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to demolish the ageing structure and construct a new bridge in its place to accommodate growing traffic demands.

Key Features Of The New Bridge

The new Bellasis Bridge will span 380 metres and feature six vehicular lanes, doubling the capacity of the previous three-lane bridge. Designed with a cable-stayed structure and steel construction, the bridge will have a concrete foundation and a 6.5-meter clearance above the railway tracks, an improvement over the older structure.

The old bridge was dismantled in June 2024 and construction of the new bridge began shortly after. Given its location above railway tracks, the BMC opted for a cable-stayed design to reduce piling work and streamline the construction process.

Details On Cost Of Project

The project, which includes demolition and construction, is estimated to cost Rs 110 crore. Of this, the BMC has allocated Rs 70 crore, while the railway department will contribute Rs 40 crore. The railways also undertook the demolition work as part of their responsibilities.

About Reay Road Bridge, Mumbai’s 1st Cable-Stayed ROB

Meanwhile, Mumbai’s first cable-stayed road overbridge at Reay Road station is set to be fully operational on January 26, 2025. This six-lane bridge, built in just two years, includes a dedicated pedestrian footpath, down ramps and a 1.52-kilometre stretch to alleviate congestion in one of the city’s busiest corridors.

Valued at Rs 145 crore, the Reay Road bridge spans 385 metres and has been strategically designed to improve traffic flow and enhance commuter safety.

Bollywood

Maharashtra Government Might Pay ₹9 Crore To Shah Rukh Khan Over ‘Mannat’

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Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is likely to approve a petition by actor Shah Rukh Khan secking a refund of around Rs 9 crore, which, according to him, is the excess payment made to the collector, Mumbai Suburban District (MSD), for the land on which his home, ‘Mannat’ stands.

The sprawling residential bungalow, jointly owned by the actor and his wife, Gauri Khan at Band Stand, Bandra West, is on a land parcel leased by the state government to the original owner, who decided to sell it to the Khans after the refund sought by actor, wife for excess payment on land where their home ‘Mannat’ stands government approved the deal.

The property, spread over 2, 446 square metres, was transferred in the names of Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan through a registered agreement. Before this, the state; being the original title holder, had levied its share of unearned income, which is calculated based on the difference between the market price and the ready reckoner price.

Later, the Khans decided to take advantage of the state government policy that allows the conversion of the leased property (Class 2) to complete ownership (Class 1). The duo paid 25 per cent of the ready reckoner price in March 2019 as per the state policy, which was calculated at approximately Rs27.50 crore.

Later, sources say, Khan found out about an ‘unintentional error’ on the part of the state government while calculating the conversion fee. It is said the value of the bungalow, instead of the piece of land, was taken into account in the process of the calculation of the conversion fee.

The ‘unintentional error’ by the authorities was noticed by the Khans in September 2022 and Gauri Khan made a representation before the collector, MSD, seeking a refund of the excess amount, which is said to be Rs9 crore. The collector has forwarded it to the state government for final approval, sources told the FPJ Once approved, the excess payment will be refunded, state officials said.

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Maharashtra

Delhi polls: CM Atishi asks EC to restore Punjab Police protection for Kejriwal

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New Delhi, Jan 24: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, in a letter to the Election Commission on Friday, accused a conspiracy to physically harm AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal. She criticized Delhi Police for lapses in security and called for the reinstatement of his Punjab Police protection.

Addressing a press conference, CM Atishi alleged lapses by Delhi Police in protecting Kejriwal, who has a Z-plus security cover, and blamed BJP workers for attacking the former CM and his vehicle during campaigning on several occasions since October.

“Delhi residents love Kejriwal and they will not pardon the BJP for these acts. Every attack on Kejriwal adds to the love of the public for him,” she said, seeking restoration of Punjab Police security for Kejriwal.

She said BJP workers and the Delhi Police are working together to cause harm to Kejriwal. “Not a single person has been arrested for attacks on Kejriwal. No action has been taken against any Delhi Police personnel,” she said, seeking an audit of Kejriwal’s security arrangement and threat to him.

Atishi mentioned several instances of attacks and breach of security of Kejriwal including October 24 in Vikaspuri, November 30 in Malviya Nagar, January 18 in New Delhi constituency, and in Hari Nagar on Thursday.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said police from his state provided security to Kejriwal as there was credible input of threat to Kejriwal’s life in Punjab and Delhi.

“A Z-plus security protectee needs to be provided security wherever he goes in the country,” he said.

CM Mann said that the AAP has no faith in Delhi Police and their personnel are helping the BJP candidates.

Mann said we have approached the ECI seeking “free and fair” ground for contesting the election. “We have said that we are not satisfied with the security being provided to Kejriwal. Since the security set up in Delhi is stretched for protecting the city ahead of R-Day, we want permission to provide our security,” he said.

The Punjab Chief Minister also dismissed allegations of rival parties in Delhi that vehicles from his state were being used in the AAP campaign in the city. “They are losing the elections and their hatred for Punjabis is visible in such remarks. Are all vehicles in Delhi with number plates of other states carrying goons?” he asked.

Earlier, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday that following instructions from the EC and the Delhi Police, they have withdrawn components of the Punjab Police deployed for the security of the former Chief Minister.

“From time to time, we get reports of threats to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal and we share them with agencies concerned. Following the directions of the Delhi police and the Election Commission today, we withdrew the component of the Punjab police in the security of Kejriwal ji,” Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav told the media in Patiala.

Delhi Assembly elections will be held on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8.

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Maharashtra

Attention Mumbaikars! WR Trains Will NOT Halt At These 6 Stations During Jan 24-26 Megablock; Details Inside

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Mumbai: Passengers on the Western Railway (WR) suburban network are advised to avoid waiting for local trains at six key stations after 11 pm on Friday, January 24, due to a 9.5-hour mega block between Bandra and Mahim.

Stations Affected Due To The Block

The affected stations include Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Matunga Road, Mahim and Khar Road. The mega block is being implemented to replace and strengthen the British-era bridge over the Mithi River, a critical infrastructure upgrade.

The block will take place over two nights. On January 24-25, it will be enforced on the slow lines between Mahim and Bandra from 11 pm to 8:30 am, with the down fast line also affected from 12:30 am to 6:30 am. Similarly, on January 25-26, the block will commence from 11 pm on Saturday and continue until 8:30 am on Sunday, affecting both UP and Down slow and fast lines.

Several Train Services Cancelled

During this period, 127 suburban services will be cancelled on the first night and approximately 150 on the second night, with around 60 services partially cancelled. To mitigate the inconvenience, Western Railway has arranged for some trains to run on alternative routes.

For instance, slow locals departing from Churchgate will operate on the fast corridor between Mumbai Central and Santacruz, skipping intermediate stations. On the other hand, slow trains from Virar, Bhayandar and Borivali will run on the fast corridor between Santacruz and Mumbai Central. On Saturday morning, services from Virar, Nalasopara, Vasai Road, Bhayandar, and Borivali will terminate at Andheri.

The first fast local from Virar to Churchgate after the block will depart at 5:47 am on Saturday, while the first down fast local from Churchgate will leave at 6:14 am.

To minimize the impact, the block has been scheduled at night when commuter traffic is lower. However, long-distance train services will also face disruptions during this period.

Western Railway officials have urged passengers to plan their journeys accordingly and avoid unnecessary travel during the block hours. This essential maintenance work is expected to enhance safety and reliability on the suburban network, particularly on the Bandra-Mahim stretch.

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