The long-awaited redevelopment of the 112-year-old Prabhadevi (Elphinstone) railway flyover is expected to be completed by November 2026, according to the Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail).
The British-era bridge, which has served as an important east-west link in central Mumbai for more than a century, will be demolished and replaced with a modern double-decker structure designed to improve traffic movement across the railway tracks.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has assigned MahaRail the task of demolishing the existing flyover and constructing the new bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 167.35 crore. MahaRail took possession of the site during November-December 2025 and has targeted completion within a year.
Steel spans arrive in Mumbai
MahaRail said all four steel spans required for the new bridge reached Mumbai on August 15, 2026. The shipment includes two spans measuring 92.5 metres each and two measuring 34.5 metres. The structures are currently being stored at railway yards in Chembur and Panvel.
The corporation has submitted a detailed plan for the night-time railway blocks required to install the bridge girders to both Central Railway and Western Railway. Railway divisional authorities have reviewed the erection plan and suggested technical modifications. The revised proposal will subsequently be forwarded to the Chief Bridge Engineer and Principal Chief Engineer at railway headquarters for final approval.
A total of 39 corridor blocks, each lasting 2.5 hours, will be required over 25 days for girder erection and related preparations. Of these, 32 blocks will be used for installing the two main steel spans.
Double-decker design
The proposed 132-metre flyover will feature two decks and pass over the railway tracks of both Central and Western Railways.
The lower deck will have two traffic lanes and pedestrian footpaths, providing an east-west connection for local traffic. The upper deck will comprise a two-lane road linking the Sewri-Worli elevated road network. It will not have a pedestrian walkway.
The upper deck is also expected to improve direct connectivity to and from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, strengthening links between central Mumbai and major eastern and western transport corridors.
MahaRail said approvals are being expedited in coordination with the railway authorities, with efforts underway to complete the project and reopen the route for traffic at the earliest.
Source: Loksatta
