Mumbai: Given past delays in reconstructing old bridges, the BMC has prioritised key projects, including the Sion flyover, which connects the eastern and western parts of Sion, and the Belasis flyover, linking Tardeo, Nagpada, and Mumbai Central station.
The new cable-stayed Belasis bridge is expected to be completed ahead of schedule by December 15, 2025, while the Sion flyover is slated for completion by May 31, 2026.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar chaired a joint review meeting on Tuesday at the BMC headquarters to assess the progress of bridge-related works. The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare, Assistant Commissioner of D Ward Manish Valanju, Assistant Commissioner of G North Ward Vinayak Vispute, Chief Engineer (Bridges) Uttam Shrote, Central Railway’s Deputy Chief Engineer (Construction) Rohit Mehla, and other concerned engineers.
Sion Flyover to Be Ready by May 31, 2026; FOB and Underpasses Key to Progress
During the review, officials stated that the construction of the Foot Over Bridge (FOB) on the southern side of the Sion bridge, currently being carried out by the Railways, is expected to be completed by August 31, 2025. Once the FOB is complete, demolition of the southern section of the main bridge will begin. Simultaneously, work will also start on dismantling the old bridge walls located beneath the structure.
According to the schedule, girder launching on the northern side is planned for November, and the southern side by January 2026. Subsequent works within the railway limits will follow. The western approach, considered more complex, includes a completed underpass at LBS Road, with remaining work to be prioritised. Construction of a second underpass will begin on October 1, while approach roads to Dharavi and LBS Road are expected to be completed by March 2026.
"Railway authorities will complete their part by May 15, after which the entire structure will be handed over to the BMC. The eastern approach will be completed within 15 days, and the entire bridge is expected to be ready by May 31, 2026," said Bangar.
Bellasis Bridge Set for Early Completion by December 15, 2025, Ahead of Official Deadline
In case of Bellasis bridge while the official deadline is April 2026, the BMC aims to complete it by December 15, 2025. To fast-track progress, 13 obstructing structures were cleared with alternative housing provided, and a housing society boundary wall affecting the slip road will be removed.
"Despite a slight delay, all 12 steel girders (36 metres each) have now arrived. Once a railway block is secured, six girders will be launched each night over two nights. Girder assembly and launching are targeted for completion by August 10, with railway-zone work to be wrapped up by September 14 and bridge to be ready by December 15, this year," said Bangar.
