December 4, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has instructed its teams to expedite all pending work on the Hancock bridge, stressing the need to float tenders for unfinished components without delay. The bridge, which connects Mazgaon and Dongri, was demolished in 2016 after being declared unsafe. Reconstruction began in 2020, and one arm of the structure was partially opened in 2022. However, progress on the remaining arm has been slow due to technical challenges.
At a review meeting attended by civic officials, the Mumbai traffic police, and railway authorities, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar assessed the project’s current status. He stated that construction over the railway section is complete, while approach road work is partially done. Officials also highlighted that rehabilitation of certain MHADA cessed buildings and nearby commercial establishments remains incomplete. Bangar directed departments to fast-track the rehabilitation process so that the remaining construction can proceed.
In parallel, the civic administration is preparing to open the new east–west overbridge at Sion by June 2026. Estimated at Rs 60 crore, the structure is expected to enhance connectivity between the Eastern Express Highway and Lal Bahadur Shashtri Marg. Bangar instructed teams to ensure all works are finished by May 31, 2026. Fabrication of the girders required for the bridge is currently underway in Nagpur and Ambala.
According to the BMC, construction of the subway on LBS Marg is expected to be completed by the end of this month. Work on a second underpass near Dharavi is likely to finish by February, after which girder launching over the railway line will begin in March. The approach roads on the Dharavi and LBS Marg sides are planned for completion by April 15. A senior official said, “If all timelines are adhered to, the bridge will be fully ready by May 31, 2026, and it will be opened to traffic from June 1, 2026.”
Source: The Indian Express
