Mumbai’s Dadar locality is grappling with severe traffic congestion due to delays in the reconstruction of the Tilak Bridge—one of the city’s busiest road over bridges. Originally constructed in 2019, the bridge was later identified as structurally critical and listed among 40 bridges earmarked by the BMC for urgent reconstruction.
The revised plan includes constructing a new three-lane bridge parallel to the existing one before demolishing the old structure. The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) began work on the project in 2022. However, progress has been sluggish. While the foundation has been completed and pier work is ongoing, the first phase is now expected to be ready only by late 2025. The INR 375 crore project will then move into its second phase—demolishing and rebuilding the original bridge.
Local residents report daily traffic nightmares, as the narrow old bridge is now further congested due to diverted traffic. Key areas like NGC Nagar and Plaza Cinema are particularly affected, with illegal hawkers and vendors occupying much of the road space. Additionally, a residential tower built too close to the road has created a major bottleneck.
To accommodate rising traffic volumes, the new bridge will feature three lanes in each direction—an upgrade from the current two lanes each way. It is also being slightly realigned to better integrate with nearby infrastructure.
Commuters—both public transport users and motorists—are bearing the brunt of these delays. Activists estimate that once full demolition begins, travel times could rise by at least 30 minutes daily. While the BMC has lined up over 20 such bridge projects across Mumbai, Tilak Bridge remains one of the most critical due to its central location and volume of usage.
For now, Dadar residents must brace for continued disruptions before relief finally arrives.
Source: Prop News Time
