After a photo of the Mumbai Kemps Corner flyover bearing a huge crack took the internet by storm, the municipal corporation of the densely populated city clarified that the 'fissure' was a fault in the design of the bridge caused by its alignment when it was constructed in 1965.
On Sunday, May 6, several social media platforms were flooded with the photo of the fissure on the Kemps Corner flyover. Mumbaikars shared the photo extensively and even tagged the city police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as it caused panic among them.
Responding to the image, the BMC not only provided a detailed report on what the fissure was but has also decided to carry out a structural audit of the first flyover that was built in India after independence.
"The bridge is absolutely safe. The fissure is not a crack. It is a fault in design, right from the time the bridge was constructed, due to alignment. My department recently concluded a structural audit of the bridge, and found it in good condition, needing only minor repairs. Yet, due to the number of complaints, we are working on finding a way to fix the alignment via another audit" Hindustan Times quoted SO Kori, chief engineer of the bridges department of BMC, as saying.
He added that the fault was a result of an inability to join the two slabs. As the engineers would have had to wait for three to four months to import the correct joint, they went ahead with the construction.
"The bridge was constructed in a record time of seven months. It is not unsound or unsafe," Kori asserted.
Even Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray took to Twitter to pacify the residents and assured that an audit will be conducted.
Regarding the photo of Kemp’s Corner Flyover, I spoke with Hon’ble Municipal Commissioner. Albeit the concern is legitimate, I request everyone not to panic as the alignment of the joint has a fault of levelling since its construction in 1965. (1/2)
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) May 6, 2018
However, the Hon’ble MC has asked the BMC to anyway carry out an audit again soon and take necessary steps, if any, for the safety of our citizens
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) May 6, 2018
The flyover had undergone an audit in 2016 along with 313 other bridges in the city, after a British-era bridge in Mahad collapsed on August 2, 2016, leading to the death of over 30 people.
Here'a how Mumbaikars reacted to the photo of the fault on Kemps Corner flyover:
@MumbaiPolice Kemps Corner Flyover! please have this attended to as soon as possible..there are issues in 2 other spots along the flyover. Accident waiting to happen, please alert the necessary people to fix this before it's too late. #Mumbai #Maharashtra @Dev_Fadnavis @MCGM_BMC pic.twitter.com/pm9YLXhKyr
— Mohit R. Kalro (@KalroMohit) May 6, 2018
Kemps Corner flyover. This definitely does not look right. Need to get this addressed. Please forward and share with as many people.
— Radha Gokhale (@radhagokhale) May 6, 2018
Forwarded as received! #BMC #KempsCorner @MumbaiPolice @bmcmumbai pic.twitter.com/YmgO00eoGt
The Kemps Corner flyover is in an appalling state.
— TANUJ GARG (@tanuj_garg) May 6, 2018
Are the contractors going to be pulled up for this mickey mouse job? #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/gFnsUYvq1I
Kemps Corner flyover. This definitely does not look right. A friend took it this morning and forwarded to midday pic.twitter.com/2k8d8zrmn0
— Crachh (@Crachh1) May 6, 2018
@MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice somebody posted this pic on fb of Kemps Corner Flyover
— Sejal (@Sejal1490) May 6, 2018
I dont knw whether this is true or not but if it is true then it is dangerous
How can i verify the fact?anybody who stays nearby can plz check this? Lets make this city safer together
Thank you pic.twitter.com/wjZoOrCYey
