October 15, 2025: Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi bridge is being redeveloped into a modern cable-stayed structure quietly alongside the old bridge, demonstrating how infrastructure projects can progress without causing major traffic chaos. Unlike earlier bridge reconstructions at Elphinstone, Sion, Lower Parel, and Gokhale, which disrupted traffic for years, the Mahalaxmi project allows the existing bridge to remain fully operational while new spans rise beside it.
The first of two new parallel bridges, located on the southern side of the current structure, has already crossed the halfway mark. A second bridge will be built on the northern side, connecting Worli to Saat Rasta via Dhobi Ghat. The alignment begins just beyond Haji Ali Circle, arches over railway lines, and lands at Saat Rasta Junction on Anandilal P Marg near the CID office, alleviating one of the city’s worst choke points. The main bridge will be 803 metres long and 17.2 metres wide, expanding to 23.01 metres within railway limits, while the northern bridge will measure 639 metres, with both featuring four-lane carriageways.
“Within railway boundaries, work will proceed in phases with necessary approvals. The construction of the bridge spans is expected to take around 200 days. We’ve set December 2026 as the completion target,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar. Once the new bridges are operational, traffic will be diverted, allowing dismantling of the old structure.
Commuters and locals have welcomed the redevelopment. Rishikesh Davda said, “Crossing Mahalaxmi during peak hours has always been a nightmare. If this bridge really opens by 2026-end, it’ll save me 15-20 minutes every day.” Taxi driver Shrinarayan Tiwari added, “A wider, smoother bridge will make a big difference if they finish it on time.” Local shop owner Jatin Amne observed, “The work’s been quiet, but once done, it should reduce congestion and bring more customers, without the usual chaos.”
The project, executed by BMC in phases, is expected to streamline east–west connectivity between Jacob Circle, Saat Rasta, Mahalaxmi station, and Haji Ali-Arthur Road, offering long-term relief at one of Mumbai’s most congested junctions.
Source: Mid-day
