Mumbai’s long-awaited Byculla Road Overbridge (ROB) is approaching completion, with close to 85% of construction work finished and a pre-monsoon opening now firmly in sight. Built at a cost of Rs 287 crore, the new bridge is expected to deliver significant congestion relief along one of the city’s most critical east–west corridors, improving daily connectivity for thousands of commuters.
The 916-metre-long structure stands out as one of Mumbai’s few cable-stayed road bridges. Anchored by a single central pylon, the bridge spans busy railway tracks and dense urban zones, combining functional capacity with a distinctive architectural identity that is set to redefine the Byculla skyline. Once operational, it will replace the ageing Byculla ROB, which had exceeded its codal life and could no longer meet current traffic demands.
Designed to handle future growth, the new bridge will feature four traffic lanes—double the capacity of the old structure. This expansion is expected to substantially ease congestion on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road while strengthening links between the Eastern Express Highway, South Mumbai, Dadar, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus area. The project is therefore seen as a key upgrade for cross-city mobility in central Mumbai.
Construction has been particularly challenging due to its location above active railway lines and a bustling municipal market. Engineers reduced foundations within railway and market boundaries to minimise disruption, while ensuring structural stability. Cable installation for the signature cable-stayed section is currently underway, with the deck slab already in place and surface finishing progressing steadily.
Despite multiple deadline revisions, the project has been executed without shutting down traffic below—an achievement given the intensity of vehicular movement in the area. The bridge also incorporates a modern three-tier utility duct system within its crash barriers, allowing electrical and telecom lines to run without repeated road excavation.
With LED façade lighting, tri-colour illumination for national events, and public viewing features planned, the bridge is set to become both a transport asset and a visual landmark. Once opened ahead of the monsoon, the Byculla ROB is expected to significantly ease south Mumbai traffic and improve everyday commuting efficiency.
Source: The Times of India
