With the Elphinstone Bridge closed to traffic and pedestrian movement, the challenge for the authorities now is demolition of the 112-year-old stone and iron bridge while keeping the trains of both Central and Western Railways moving. The new bridge that will take its place will be a double-decker bridge with the first tier catering to East-West connectivity between Prabhadevi and Parel, and the second tier linking Atal Setu with the Coastal Road.
The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MRIDC – MahaRail) has been entrusted by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) with the execution of the construction of a double-decker road overbridge at Elphinstone Road/Prabhadevi.
Congestion has increased at the Currey Road bridge
“A major engineering challenge now is the demolition of the existing bridge. The project involves dismantling of the existing ROB using two 800 metric tonnes cranes, making it one of the most challenging aspects of the construction. This task will be executed without disrupting the suburban train services of both the Western Railway (WR) and Central Railway (CR), as the work will take place over running railway tracks. Proper planning and execution are essential to ensure commuter safety and minimal operational disruptions,” a MRIDC official said.
Speaking on the significance of the project, Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, managing director of MahaRail, said, “We are proud to be entrusted with the construction of Mumbai’s first double-decker railway bridge at Elphinstone. This pioneering structure is not just an engineering feat — it’s a symbol of the city’s evolving infrastructure. MahaRail remains committed to delivering state-of-the-art solutions that blend innovation, safety, and efficiency for the people of Mumbai.”
Commuters complained that till the new bridge would be ready, there would be several traffic issues. The closest alternatives that would bear the brunt would be the Tilak Bridge at Dadar and the newly opened Delisle Road Bridge at Lower Parel. With the Sion bridge already shut, the closure of this bridge will lead to further traffic jams and logjams.
Residents of Dadar reminded authorities of an earlier planned DP Road (Development Project Road), crossing over the rail lines, between Dadar and Parel-Prabhadevi stations which could ease the closure of Elphinstone Bridge. “A new road of 800m length and 60 m wide had been proposed connecting Hindmata junction in Dadar East to the Pramod Mahajan garden in Dadar West. It would have been very helpful today, but it never materialised,” said Chetan Kamble of ChakaChak Dadar organisation.
Key features of the project
An artist’s impression of the planned bridge
Double-Decker Design: This road overbridge will simultaneously cross both the Central Railway and Western Railway Lines, a rare and complex engineering feat.
Total Length (Railway Span): 132 metres, ensuring seamless movement over railway tracks.
Lane Configuration: Lower Deck: 2+2 lanes with a footpath, maintaining East-West connectivity for local traffic. Upper Deck: 2+2 lanes (without footpath) for Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor, providing a direct link to the Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) for improved regional connectivity.
Estimated Cost: Rs 167.35 cr.
Completion Period: After all necessary approvals, the new road bridge is expected to be completed in approximately 1 year.
