A scheduled dismantling operation at the Elphinstone Road Overbridge was halted late on Saturday night after a mechanical fault developed in the heavy-lift crane deployed for the task. The work had been planned by Western Railway as part of the ongoing demolition of the structure in Prabhadevi.
Railway officials said the operation was called off after a hydraulic pipe burst in the 800-MT crane stationed at the site. The malfunction occurred just before the planned de-launching of two girders, each measuring about 32 metres in length, forcing authorities to suspend the exercise. No injuries or property damage were reported during the incident.
The dismantling activity was scheduled during a 4.5-hour megablock between 1.30 am and 6 am on Sunday. The block had been arranged to allow removal of a girder from the bridge without disrupting regular railway operations. However, the technical problem in the crane prevented the work from moving forward.
With the operation withdrawn, several suburban train services that were expected to be cancelled during the block period were restored. Railway sources indicated that the dismantling work will now be rescheduled and carried out next week.
The demolition of the Elphinstone bridge is part of a larger infrastructure project linked to the proposed Sewri–Worli Elevated Connector. The existing structure is being removed to facilitate construction of a new double-decker bridge outside the railway corridor.
Major demolition work on the bridge began in September 2025. The project forms part of a planned 4.5-km elevated connector that will link key parts of the city and improve east-west connectivity. The redevelopment is expected to support smoother movement between surrounding areas such as Parel and Prabhadevi.
The demolition process has led to temporary disruptions for pedestrians, road users and suburban rail commuters in the area. Authorities expect the broader infrastructure project to be completed before the end of the year.
Source: The Times of India
