Mumbai: A major update surfaced for daily commuters in Mumbai, the Elphinstone Bridge (also known as Prabhadevi Bridge) which was scheduled to be closed on April 10, was not closed by the traffic department on Thursday.
The century-old bridge will be shut down for a period of two years starting April 15, 2025, as per reports. The final decision over closure would be made reportedly after considering the suggestions and objections received from citizens till April 13.
Elphinstone Bridge | Tanmay Kandalkar
This closure comes as part of infrastructure work for the Worli-Sewree elevated corridor and the Atal Setu, which aims to connect with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Mumbai Traffic Police have officially confirmed the development and have urged citizens to be alert and plan for potential traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.
Traffic Snarls Expected After Elphinstone Bridge Closure
Once the bridge is closed, traffic from areas like Prabhadevi, Worli, Lower Parel and Mahalaxmi will be redirected towards Dadar’s Tilak Bridge. This is expected to place a heavy load on Dadar West, majorly affecting traffic flow in the area.
With the Elphinstone Bridge closed, the two main alternative routes available will be the Tilak Bridge and the Currey Road Bridge. However, both these routes are likely to face increased pressure, leading to an estimated additional travel time of up to 30 minutes. Areas such as Dadar, Ranade Road, Gokhale Road and NC Kelkar Marg are expected to witness severe traffic congestion as a result.
Elphinstone Bridge | Tanmay Kandalkar
Public transport will also face disruptions. Buses departing from the Lower Parel ST Depot previously used the Elphinstone Bridge to enter Dadar. Now, these buses will need to take longer detours, affecting overall efficiency and commute times for passengers.
The Elphinstone Bridge, built during the British era in 1913, is a 125-year-old stone bridge that connects Parel and Prabhadevi. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is now set to replace it with a modern double-decker bridge as part of the city’s ongoing infrastructure transformation.
To minimize disruption, citizens are encouraged to use the following alternate routes:
- From Parel TT Junction, use Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road via Krishna Nagar Junction and Bharat Mata Junction.
- From Khodadad Circle to Tilak Bridge, take a right turn and continue via Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road.
- For the Curry Road Bridge: one-way traffic will be allowed from 7 am to 3 pm, reversed from 3 pm to 8 pm, and two-way traffic will be permitted from 10 pm to 7 am.
Authorities have requested citizens to stay updated and cooperate during this transition period to avoid unnecessary delays.
