November 15, 2025: The delay in demolishing the remaining portion of the 112-year-old Elphinstone Bridge may soon end, with Western Railway (WR) expected to approve next week despite its ongoing dispute with the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) over way-leave charges. Officials confirmed that a joint team from WR and MRIDC visited the site on Friday to carry out preparatory assessments for dismantling the western span of the bridge, which lies under WR’s jurisdiction.
The bridge, built during the British era, was closed to traffic on September 12. Its approach roads were subsequently demolished, and with the debris cleared, cranes can now be deployed to remove the remaining 132-metre section that stands above active railway tracks.
Progress, however, has been stalled due to disagreements over way-leave fees—charges levied for utilising railway land during construction. While Central Railway (CR) demanded Rs 10 crore for its share, WR quoted a much higher Rs 59.14 crore. As negotiations continued, MRIDC proceeded with demolishing the eastern side of the structure, which falls under CR’s jurisdiction. According to officials, WR is now close to granting its approval.
“We are in the final stages of processing their request. Notwithstanding the difference of opinion on way-leave charges, we are likely to issue a go-ahead sometime next week,” a senior WR official said on condition of anonymity. “A consensus can be arrived at on the amount even as the works are underway. This will not affect the project’s timelines.”
An MRIDC spokesperson confirmed that demolition from the eastern end is already in progress.
To address safety concerns raised by residents, the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) has been appointed to monitor the structural health of nearby buildings. On Friday, the team installed instruments to track vibration levels, advising contractors to reduce rig RPM during pile boring in hard rock, control noise while removing mud from the auger, and monitor vibrations throughout the process.
The Elphinstone Bridge, which historically linked Parel and Prabhadevi, is being removed to facilitate the construction of the 4.5-km Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). MRIDC is responsible for demolishing and rebuilding the portion crossing the railway tracks, requiring 78 rail blocks of four hours each. The impact on suburban and long-distance train services is yet to be detailed.
A new double-decker structure will replace the bridge. The lower deck will have four lanes and a pedestrian walkway, connecting Senapati Bapat Road with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road. The upper deck will link the Bandra–Worli Sea Link to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu). The railway portion, designed as an open web girder, is estimated to cost Rs 167.35 crore, while the overall project is budgeted at Rs 1,286 crore and targeted for completion by December 2026.
Source: Hindustan Times
