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Mumbai's historic Elphinstone Road Overbridge (ROB), built 125 years ago during the British era, will be closed by April 10, 2025, to make way for a double-decker bridge under the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project. The MMRDA has nearly completed all clearances, including one from Mumbai Traffic Police, to begin demolition before the monsoon season. The ROB connects Prabhadevi and Parel, both key commercial and hospital zones. Traffic diversions via Curry Road and Tilak Bridge and new pedestrian FOBs will aid movement. One level of the new bridge is expected by April 2026, promising improved long-term connectivity and safety.
The 125-year-old Elphinstone Road Overbridge (ROB) in Mumbai is set for demolition, with closure anticipated by April 10, 2025. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has nearly secured all necessary clearances to commence this significant project. Advertisement
Constructed during the British era, the Elphinstone ROB serves as a vital east-west link, connecting the bustling areas of Prabhadevi and Parel. It spans both the Western and Central Railway lines and is surrounded by key establishments, including prominent hospitals like Tata Memorial and KEM Hospital. Over the past two decades, the transformation of former mill lands into commercial hubs has intensified traffic congestion in this corridor.
The demolition is part of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project, which aims to replace the existing structure with a modern double-decker bridge. MMRDA plans to complete at least one level of the new bridge by April 2026, targeting the demolition before the onset of the monsoon season to avoid weather-related delays.
An MMRDA official stated that they are fully prepared to begin the critical demolition and reconstruction work and are in the final stages of securing clearance from the Mumbai Traffic Police, which is expected before April 10.
The closure of the Elphinstone ROB will necessitate traffic diversions. Vehicles will be rerouted via Curry Road Bridge and Tilak Bridge in Dadar. Pedestrians can use the existing foot overbridge near Parel Station, which will be designated a non-ticketed zone. Additionally, a new foot overbridge near Prabhadevi Station is nearing completion to further assist pedestrian movement.
The demolition and reconstruction of aged infrastructure are common in rapidly urbanizing cities. For instance, in 2018, Kolkata undertook the dismantling of the Majerhat Bridge after a partial collapse, leading to significant traffic realignments and expedited construction of a new bridge within two years. Similarly, Chennai replaced the Anna Flyover's aging sections to enhance structural integrity and traffic flow.
In Mumbai, the Delisle Road Bridge at Lower Parel underwent a five-year reconstruction process from 2018 to 2023. The experience from this project underscores the complexities involved in such endeavors, including coordinating between multiple agencies and minimizing public inconvenience.
The Elphinstone ROB project reflects Mumbai's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure to meet the demands of its growing population and economic activities. While the temporary closure will pose challenges, the long-term benefits of improved connectivity and safety are anticipated to outweigh the inconveniences.
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