Mumbai’s new Vidyavihar East–West bridge is yet to open to traffic, but competing demands over its name have already triggered a political dispute.
As per ground reports by agencies, the Shiv Sena (UBT) wants the structure named after the late actor Nana Patekar, while BJP MLA Parag Shah has proposed Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot recognised for his actions during a recent hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight.
Shiv Sena (UBT) activists put up a banner seeking the name “Padma Shri Nana Patekar Setu”, days after Shah wrote to the authorities proposing Machchhar’s name, agencies reported.
A party delegation is also said to have met Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde earlier this week and submitted its demand in writing.
The proposal to honour Patekar comes shortly after his death in Goa on October 8, aged 75. Known for his performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema and theatre, the actor’s death drew tributes from across the film industry and political leadership.
Shah’s proposal, meanwhile, seeks to recognise Machchhar, who was injured when his co-pilot attacked him aboard a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight. The captain opened the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene, and was subsequently hailed for helping avert a disaster.
The competing demands have drawn criticism from Ganesh Khankar, leader of the house in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), who accused Sena (UBT) of seeking political credit, according to PTI. He argued that a large theatre or theatre complex would be a more appropriate tribute than a bridge.
PTI also said Tawde could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.
The much-delayed, two-lane bridge is intended to improve connectivity across Vidyavihar railway station. The 650-metre structure links Ramchandra Chemburkar Marg on the eastern side with Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg in Ghatkopar to the west.
According to BMC, it comprises a 100-metre section over the railway tracks, a 220-metre eastern approach and a 330-metre western approach. The project also includes access links to the station’s footpaths and reconstruction of ticket-booking offices, the station master’s office and staircases.
[With inputs from PTI]
