June 26, 2025: More than a decade after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proposed two alternate bridges to replace the ageing Mahalaxmi station bridge, only one is currently under construction. While the project deadline is set for October 2026, delays may extend the timeline.
The existing British-era T-shaped structure links Worli and Haji Ali to Saat Rasta and was deemed structurally weak in a 2016 IIT Bombay study. In response, BMC proposed two new road overbridges (ROBs) on either side of the old bridge — one from Keshavrao Khadye Marg (KK Marg) and another from Dr E Moses Road — to relieve congestion at this crucial junction.
Though both ROBs received work orders in 2020, only the KK Marg bridge has made headway, currently 35% complete. Work on the E Moses Road bridge has yet to commence, primarily due to the high cost and complexity of rehabilitation — estimated at Rs 200 crore — for buildings obstructing the planned route.
The KK Marg bridge, a cable-stayed structure due to limited space, will eventually extend to the S-bridge in Byculla. However, urban experts argue that an underpass would have been more sustainable. Architect Alan Abraham, who originally proposed two underpasses in 2016, said such alternatives would require less land, avoid cutting nearly 250 trees, and reduce surface-level concrete infrastructure.
Abraham also envisioned transforming the existing bridge into a pedestrian deck, creating 1.7 acres of green public space near Saat Rasta and improving walkability to nearby monorail and metro stations.
While the BMC’s bridge department has suggested re-girdering the old structure, its ultimate fate will be jointly decided by the BMC and Indian Railways once the new bridges are completed.
The delay continues to frustrate daily commuters who face severe congestion, awaiting long-promised upgrades.
Source: Hindustan Times
