Mumbai’s rebuilt Sion railway bridge is expected to open to vehicles shortly, offering relief to motorists travelling through Sion, Dharavi and Kurla. The new structure replaces a 112-year-old colonial-era bridge near Sion railway station, which served as a crucial east-west road connection in the northern part of the island city.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said the reconstructed bridge measures 54.5 metres in length and 29 metres in width. Its pillar-free design above the railway tracks will leave sufficient clearance for the proposed fifth and sixth railway lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Kurla.
Abhijit Bangar, BMC’s Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), told the news agency that the bridge would be opened “soon”, although the final date had not been confirmed. Other officials indicated that the opening was likely in the second half of October 2026.
Reconstruction to Improve East-West Connectivity
The old bridge was declared unsafe after an IIT Bombay structural audit in 2019. Authorities subsequently decided to demolish it and construct a replacement to facilitate the addition of two railway lines under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project.
The reconstruction has taken around two years. During the closure, motorists had to use alternative routes, including the Dharavi bridge, BKC–Chunabhatti Link Road and Santacruz–Chembur Link Road. These diversions contributed to traffic congestion in neighbouring areas, with Dharavi expected to benefit significantly once the bridge reopens.
Railway Authorities Fund the Project
Central Railway handled reconstruction of the main bridge girder section over the tracks, while the BMC’s bridges department undertook work on the approach roads. According to the civic body, railway authorities are funding the entire project.
Central Railway completed concreting of the deck slab on the first 500-tonne steel girder on August 21 and the second on August 29. Crash barriers and the concrete wearing coat were subsequently completed.
The western approach road, linking Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg with Sant Rohidas Marg in Dharavi, was nearing completion. Central Railway handed over part of the land on the eastern side to the BMC on August 25, enabling work on the eastern approach road to begin.
Earlier this month, Bangar inspected the site and instructed officials to prioritise the remaining work, setting October 15 as the completion deadline. Although the original tender schedule allowed construction until February 2027, the BMC has been directed to make the bridge operational ahead of schedule.
Once opened, the replacement is expected to restore an important road link and improve traffic movement across central Mumbai.
Source: Economic Times
