Mumbai’s long-awaited replacement of the ageing Tilak Bridge in Dadar is set to become operational in phases beginning in 2027, offering a significant boost to east-west connectivity in one of the city’s busiest transit corridors. According to a report by The Indian Express, the first section of the new cable-stayed bridge is expected to open for vehicular traffic early next year.
The project aims to replace the nearly 100-year-old Tilak Bridge, which has served as a vital link between eastern and western Dadar since its construction in 1925. Over the decades, increasing traffic volumes have placed considerable strain on the structure, prompting authorities to seek a long-term solution.
A structural audit conducted in 2019 found that the bridge had reached a stage where replacement was necessary due to its ageing condition and inadequate capacity. The existing bridge currently carries traffic through just two lanes, making it insufficient for present-day traffic demands.
The new bridge has been designed as a modern cable-stayed structure spanning approximately 600 metres. Once fully completed, it will provide six traffic lanes, substantially improving traffic flow and reducing congestion across the corridor. The project is being executed in two phases, with each arm measuring 16.7 metres in width.
To ensure minimal disruption to commuters, construction is taking place adjacent to the existing bridge, which will remain functional until the first phase is commissioned. After the initial three-lane section becomes operational, the old bridge will be dismantled gradually and replaced with the second arm of the new structure, ultimately creating a six-lane crossing.
Officials have stated that nearly 70 per cent of the work has been completed. Foundation activities are finished, while girder placement and superstructure construction are currently in progress.
The first three-lane segment is expected to be ready by April 2027. The second phase is scheduled for completion around 18 months later, taking the overall project timeline into 2028.
The Rs 375-crore infrastructure project is being jointly undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC).
Source: Swarajya
