The reconstruction of the Sion railway bridge has entered its final phase, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) directing officials to complete the remaining work and make the bridge operational by October 15, 2026.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar recently inspected the site to review progress and instructed the concerned teams to expedite the work. The bridge is being rebuilt under Mumbai Urban Transport Project-2 (MUTP-2), alongside Central Railway’s project to add the fifth and sixth railway lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla.
500-Tonne Girders Installed
The reconstruction became necessary after the existing bridge, which was around 112 years old, was declared unsafe. The replacement has been designed as a 54.5-metre single-span structure with a width of 29 metres.
Its single-span configuration eliminates the need for supporting pillars below the bridge, creating the required clearance for the proposed expansion of the railway tracks.
Central Railway completed concreting of the deck slab on the first 500-tonne steel girder on August 21, followed by the second girder on August 29. Work is now progressing on crash barriers and the concrete wearing coat over the deck.
Approach Roads Also Being Rebuilt
While Central Railway is responsible for the section of the bridge within railway limits, the BMC Bridges Department is handling the approach roads and associated strengthening works in coordination with the railway authorities.
On the western side, the approach connecting Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg with Sant Rohidas Marg in Dharavi has reached the final stage of reconstruction.
On the eastern side, Central Railway handed over part of the land required for the approach road to the BMC on August 25. Construction began soon after, with reinforced-concrete works also progressing.
The project is being funded by the railway department, while the BMC is coordinating the civil and approach-road components.
Earlier Than Original Schedule
The tender schedule had initially placed completion of the bridge reconstruction in February 2027. However, the civic administration has now set an earlier operational target of October 15.
The accelerated timeline is intended to restore an important road connection in the Sion area at the earliest possible date.
Expected to Improve Local Connectivity
Once opened, the reconstructed bridge is expected to improve road movement around Sion, Dharavi, Kurla and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, where traffic congestion is common.
The bridge will also support the broader railway-capacity expansion planned along the CSMT-Kurla corridor.
Chief Engineer (Bridges) Rajesh Mule, along with other engineers and project officials, was present during Bangar’s inspection.
With the main girders in place and approach-road work advancing, the project has moved into its concluding phase. Meeting the October deadline will require the remaining bridge finishes, road works and associated arrangements to be completed in coordination with Central Railway before the structure is opened to traffic.
Source: Mid-day
