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Motorists in central Mumbai, particularly in Parel, should prepare for significant traffic disruptions as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) gears up to demolish the 125-year-old Elphinstone Road Over Bridge. The demolition, expected to begin in the last week of February, is essential to facilitate the construction of the Sewri-Worli Connector and to enhance the bridge's dimensions. The 4.5-km-long connector will serve as a signal-free link between the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu), drastically cutting travel time between Sewri and Worli. Although the bridge's closure is imminent, authorities have yet to finalise the reconstruction timeline. The completion of the Sewri-Worli Connector is targeted for early 2026.
Motorists commuting through Parel in central Mumbai should anticipate severe congestion in the coming weeks, as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has planned the demolition of the Elphinstone Road Over Bridge, a 125-year-old structure. The demolition is expected to commence in the last week of February. Advertisement
The British-era bridge, a crucial east-west connector over railway tracks near Prabhadevi and Parel stations, is being dismantled to accommodate the construction of the Sewri-Worli Connector and to improve its height and width. Once both projects are completed, a double-decker bridge will be established over the railway tracks, making it Mumbai's second such structure after the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road.
The 4.5-km-long Sewri-Worli Connector will provide a signal-free route between the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu). Rising 27 metres above ground, the connector will traverse densely populated areas of central Mumbai, crossing railway lines in Sewri, Parel, and Prabhadevi, the monorail corridor, the Parel flyover on the Eastern Express Highway, and the Elphinstone flyover on Senapati Bapat Marg.
Authorities project that 15% of vehicular traffic from Atal Setu will utilise the new connector. Once completed, the journey between Sewri and Worli, which currently takes 40-60 minutes, will be reduced to less than 10 minutes. The four-lane carriageway, with two lanes on either side, is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee stated that construction of the connector was progressing smoothly. He mentioned that MMRDA had discussions with Mumbai Traffic Police in December and had another meeting recently regarding the project. Anil Kumbhare, Joint Commissioner of Mumbai Traffic Police, confirmed that MMRDA had sought approval to close the Elphinstone bridge. He stated that the traffic department would soon issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the closure.
However, there remains uncertainty regarding the timeline for the demolition and reconstruction of the Elphinstone bridge, as the tender process is yet to commence. It took five years (2018-2023) for the Delisle Road bridge, which spans Lower Parel railway station, to be demolished, rebuilt, and reopened.
The demolition is expected to impact operations at Prabhadevi station, as two of its exits are located on the bridge. A Western Railway official indicated that the booking offices would be relocated within the station premises and that minor train operation disruptions might occur. Traffic blocks will be arranged as required during the demolition and reconstruction phases.
The impending demolition of the Elphinstone Road Over Bridge marks a significant phase in Mumbai's infrastructure development, paving the way for the Sewri-Worli Connector. As Mumbai progresses with this crucial infrastructure development, the city's residents and commuters must prepare for temporary disruptions. Authorities are striving to minimise inconvenience while ensuring the successful execution of long-term mobility solutions.
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