In an unexpected twist, the long-awaited Gokhale Bridge in Andheri was finally opened to the public, with some humorous social media posts jokingly crediting U.S. President Donald Trump for the milestone. While Trump was not directly involved in the bridge’s opening, the satire that followed provided an amusing distraction for many on a Monday morning. The bridge, which had been under construction for years, was inaugurated the day before, bringing not only relief to traffic but also a wave of viral memes.
One such post, humorously attributed to Trump, claimed, “After a long night of talks with BMC, I am pleased to announce that they agreed to open the Andheri Gokhale flyover. Congratulations to the people living in East and West Andheri. Jai Maharashtra!” The internet responded with enthusiasm, enjoying the playful reference to Trump’s recent social media comments on the India-Pakistan ceasefire.
In true social media spirit, one user added, “Can you ask him to expedite road construction and redevelopment works in Bandra West?” The creativity continued as another meme depicted Trump in traditional Indian attire, cutting a ribbon to “inaugurate” the bridge.
Ashoke Pandit, a filmmaker and activist, explained that such viral humor serves as a way for citizens to express their frustration. “When there’s pain, humor becomes an outlet,” he said, noting that the delay in the bridge’s completion had left many feeling exasperated.
Karan Jotwani, a member of a local residents’ association, shared an amusing incident. “I spotted a woman herding cows on the wrong side. I told her that the other side was now operational and suggested she use it from tomorrow,” he said.
Despite the memes, motorists were pleased with the smooth flow of traffic across the newly opened bridge. “Hoping traffic on SV Road, Western Express Highway, and Andheri subway will ease,” one motorist said.
Looking ahead, the BMC plans to open two more key connectors before the monsoon season: the Vikhroli East-West link and the Carnac Bridge in South Mumbai. By the end of the year, the Bellasis Road overbridge near Mumbai Central is also set to be completed.
Should any delays arise, residents in these areas may just take to social media and humorously “call” on Mr. Trump to speed things up.
