Seek defense ministry's advice to build Sandhurst Road FOB: Bombay High Court to BMC, Central Railway

The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Central Railway (CR) to seek expert advice from the Ministry of Defense to build a temporary foot-over bridge (FOB) at Sandhurst Road. After the recent demolition of the Hancock bridge, citizens now require an FOB in the area to cross over the railway tracks.

A division bench of justices SS Kemkar and MS Karnik asked both authorities to contact the ministry and inform about steps it has taken by July 27. The court has also directed the BMC to start mini-bus services, possibly every five minutes, to help citizens cross over from west to east and vice-versa. The civic body has agreed to the suggestion and will start the service soon.

The directions were given during the hearing of a petition filed by Kamlakar Shenoy, who highlighted the fact that due to the demolition of the bridge, citizens were forced to cross railway tracks, leading to accidents.

Railways representative informed the court that it would not be possible to construct a temporary bridge because of a water pipeline being very close to the proposed alignment. The pipeline caters to JJ hospital, schools and residential areas. Also, shifting of 25 KV over-head wires will disrupt the suburban rail.

The court has posted the matter for further hearing on July 27.