Mumbai is set to bid farewell to the 112-year-old Sion Road Over Bridge as it closes on February 29 to make way for a new, modern structure. Set to undergo demolition due to its deteriorated condition, the bridge's reconstruction aims to facilitate railway expansion and is expected to last 18-24 months. The project will extend the bridge's span to accommodate additional railway lines, enhancing urban mobility. Traffic congestion is anticipated on alternative routes, with measures like no-parking zones being implemented to mitigate the impact. This marks a significant step in Mumbai's infrastructure development, promising improved connectivity upon completion.
Mumbai's historic Sion road over bridge (ROB), an emblem of the city's infrastructure for over a century, is slated for permanent closure on February 29. This decision paves the way for the construction of a new, modern bridge designed to meet contemporary transportation demands. The 112-year-old structure's closure marks a significant moment in the city's ongoing efforts to upgrade its railway system, which necessitates the bridge's demolition and subsequent reconstruction—a process expected to span 18 to 24 months.
Initially, the bridge was due to close on January 19, but the intervention by MP Rahul Shewale allowed for a brief reprieve, extending the deadline. The extension provided additional time to prepare for the complex demolition process and to minimize the impact on the city's traffic flow. Central Railway (CR) officials have announced that starting February 29, the bridge will no longer be accessible to commuters. Preliminary activities, including the removal of the bridge's asphalt and the clearance of cables and other structures, will commence shortly. These steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition to the demolition phase, with specific dates for the mega block to facilitate the bridge's dismantling to be announced following the completion of preparatory work.
The necessity for the ROB's demolition arises from its deteriorated condition and the need to expand its span from 30 meters to 49 meters. This expansion is crucial to accommodate the addition of the fifth and sixth railway lines between Parel and Kurla, aiming to segregate mail/express trains from the suburban rail traffic. The existing pillars of the bridge currently obstruct the proposed track layout, necessitating a broader span for the new structure.
The demolition, expected to last between 4 and 6 months, must be executed with precision to ensure the safety of the railway lines below. This meticulous process underscores the challenges involved in modernizing infrastructure within densely populated urban environments.
The dismantling of the Sion ROB is anticipated to lead to increased traffic congestion on alternative east-west routes within the city, particularly on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, which serves as a vital link between Sion and Dharavi. In response, traffic authorities plan to implement no-parking zones along these critical corridors to ease congestion and facilitate smoother traffic flow during the bridge's reconstruction period.
In conclusion, the closure of the iconic Sion bridge symbolizes Mumbai's stride towards infrastructural modernization and improved urban mobility. While its demolition will temporarily disrupt daily commutes, the eventual completion of a new bridge promises enhanced connectivity and safety for Mumbai's residents, heralding a new era in the city's storied history of transportation.
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