The planned demolition of Mumbai’s 125-year-old Elphinstone Bridge has hit a roadblock, as the Mumbai Traffic Police have withheld final clearance, citing public safety concerns and unresolved infrastructure issues.
Built in 1913 under British rule, the historic bridge—spanning key Central and Western Railway lines—is scheduled to be replaced with a modern double-decker structure. However, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) must now address over 471 objections from citizens and fulfil a series of conditions before demolition approval is granted.
The traffic department received widespread feedback from citizens worried about the chaos that might follow the bridge’s closure, particularly regarding the lack of east-west connectivity in a densely populated and commercially vital area like Parel. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic-Mumbai), Anil Kumbhare, confirmed that public suggestions have been formally submitted to the MMRDA along with a request for immediate action to avoid cascading traffic disruptions. Until these conditions are met, the traffic department has instructed the MMRDA and related agencies to halt all new road construction in the surrounding area.
The concerns are not just logistical but also humanitarian, given that the Parel area houses major medical institutions like KEM Hospital and Tata Memorial Hospital. The authorities fear that without a proper traffic plan in place, ambulances and daily commuters could face severe delays. While the bridge demolition was initially scheduled to begin on April 15, 2025, it will now remain operational until alternative routes and supporting infrastructure are completed.
Some of the critical requirements include the construction of a temporary foot over-bridge before dismantling the old structure, relocation of residents from eight nearby buildings, clearing of encroachments, improved road dividers, and the urgent completion of pending work on Ganpat Rao Kadam Road and Senapati Bapat Road. The traffic department also insisted on the creation of a no-ticket pedestrian zone at Parel station and enhanced pedestrian access near Prabhadevi station, where a new bridge is nearing completion.
To manage vehicular flow during the 18-month construction period for the new bridge, authorities have proposed alternate routes via Tilak Road and Currey Road bridges. Meanwhile, MMRDA has confirmed that they have submitted their demolition proposal to the traffic department and will commence work as soon as they receive formal permission. On April 8, proposed traffic diversions were shared with the public, with authorities actively seeking further citizen input.
The Elphinstone Bridge, once a crucial colonial-era connector, now stands as a symbol of Mumbai’s infrastructure dilemma—balancing heritage and progress. As the city prepares for a major transit upgrade, the success of the project will ultimately depend on how well government agencies respond to citizen concerns and coordinate the rollout of supporting infrastructure.
Source: The Times Of India
