The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is developing a new bridge in Worli aimed at reducing congestion and improving connectivity in South Mumbai. The Rs 285-crore project will span the drain near the Nehru Science Centre, creating a direct route between E Moses Road and Annie Besant Road.
Currently, despite the close proximity of the Nehru Science Centre and the Nehru Planetarium, motorists must take a nearly 2-km diversion via the heavily congested Worli Naka junction, located at the intersection of Annie Besant Road and E Moses Road. The drain separating the two landmarks forces commuters travelling from Lower Parel, Dainik Shivneri Marg, and areas behind Phoenix Palladium Mall toward Peddar Road and the Coastal Road to navigate this bottleneck.
To address the issue, the civic body conceptualised the bridge in 2022 and awarded the contract in October that year. Construction began in November 2022. The structure will originate near the Nehru Science Centre on E Moses Road and terminate close to the Nehru Planetarium along Annie Besant Road.
The bridge will stretch 571 metres in length and measure 18.3 metres in width. It will also feature a dedicated pedestrian footpath, though no additional connecting arms are planned.
Initially estimated at Rs 280.78 crore during the tender stage, the project cost rose to Rs 285.26 crore after the contract was finalised. Completion is targeted for February 28, 2027.
The project has encountered hurdles, including the removal of structures near Jija Mata Nagar transit camp, securing approvals from the tree authority, and addressing hutments along the stormwater drain.
“Once constructed, the bridge will create a direct link and avoid the detour between the two centres. Furthermore, it will provide direct connectivity to motorists travelling to the Mumbai coastal road, as well as a shortcut to Peddar Road and beyond. This bridge is expected to save around 15 minutes of travel time and even more during the morning peak hours, when pockets like Worli Naka see very heavy congestion,” a senior BMC officer told The Indian Express.
Source: The Indian Express
