The reconstruction of the Sion railway bridge has entered its final stage, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) targeting its reopening to traffic by October 15, 2026. The proposed date is nearly four months ahead of the project’s official February 2027 completion deadline.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar inspected the bridge site on Thursday and directed officials to accelerate the remaining work. He also reviewed the separate Byculla flyover link project, connecting the Sitaram Silam Y Bridge with the JJ Flyover, and asked teams to advance construction there as well.
Railway and Approach Road Work
The main bridge section within railway limits is being reconstructed by Central Railway, while the BMC Bridges Department is responsible for rebuilding and strengthening the approach roads within its jurisdiction. The project is being funded through railway resources.
The existing Sion bridge, which was around 112 years old, was closed completely to vehicular traffic from August 1, 2024, after being declared unsafe. Demolition and reconstruction were carried out in stages to minimise disruption to local residents and pedestrians.
Built for Additional Railway Lines
The replacement structure is being developed as part of Mumbai Urban Transport Project-2 (MUTP-2) and is designed to provide the clearance required for the proposed fifth and sixth railway lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla.
The additional railway tracks are intended to help separate long-distance mail and express services from suburban operations along the corridor.
To accommodate the expanded rail infrastructure, the bridge required larger girders than the earlier structure. Central Railway subsequently completed the installation of two 500-tonne steel girders across the operational railway corridor through specially planned night-time traffic and power blocks.
Cost and Timeline Changed
The project has faced delays and cost revisions during construction. Its estimated expenditure increased from around Rs 42.8 crore to nearly Rs 50 crore, following additional requirements involving the steel girders and approach roads.
The opening date had earlier moved from August to September before the civic administration settled on the current October 15 target.
Byculla Link Also Under Construction
Meanwhile, the Byculla project connecting the Sitaram Silam Y Bridge and JJ Flyover has achieved around 22% progress. The BMC is attempting to bring forward its completion from the scheduled May 2028 deadline.
The link is expected to ease traffic pressure along the Byculla-Nagpada-Mazgaon corridor and improve movement around Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy Road and adjoining junctions.
Once both projects become operational, officials expect them to improve connectivity and reduce congestion generated by the Sion bridge closure and longer alternative routes used by commuters over the past two years.
Source: Prop News Time
