Mumbai’s Metro Line 2B has achieved a significant construction milestone with the successful launch of two 20 m long U-girders over the Halav Bridge in Kurla in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February.
The operation was carried out around 4 am using 500 metric tonne capacity cranes, marking a crucial step towards completing the viaduct along this technically challenging stretch.
Metro Line 2B, the 23.643 km east-west corridor connecting DN Nagar to Mandale, runs along BKC Road, crosses the Mithi River, passes through Kapadia Nagar along the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road, and traverses the Halav Bridge before proceeding towards Kurla West.
According to a statement by MMRDA, the alignment near the Halav Bridge lies within the airport funnel zone, where stringent height restrictions apply.
With only 3.5 metres of permissible vertical clearance between the Metro viaduct and the existing bridge, the girder installation required high-precision planning and execution.
The launch was undertaken post-midnight after securing all necessary approvals to ensure safety and minimise disruption to traffic movement in the area.
According to the approved traffic arrangements, light motor vehicles and ambulances will continue to ply on the Halav Bridge, while heavy vehicles have been diverted through alternative routes.
Due to the funnel height constraints, the adjacent S G Barve Marg Metro Station is being built as a single-level station, with the platform and concourse at the same level.
Currently, the foundations and piers for the station, as well as the viaduct on both sides of the Halav Bridge, are already complete, MMRDA said.
Following consultations with local residents and elected representatives, widening of the adjoining A H Wadia Road is also being undertaken on priority in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
MMRDA stated that the successful launching of the girders marks a key step forward for Mumbai Metro Line 2B and advances progress on the corridor.
