Mumbai: The BMC has finally delivered on its long-standing promise, with the much-awaited Vikhroli East-West connector now ready nearly seven years after construction began. Meeting the revised deadline of May 31, the civic body is currently finalising lane markings, traffic islands, and signal installations, expected to be completed within two days. The bridge will be opened to vehicular traffic once clearance is granted by the Mumbai Traffic Police.
The newly constructed bridge connects the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) in the east to Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Marg in the west at Vikhroli, improving east-west connectivity in the city. Spanning 615 metres in length and 12 metres in width, the bridge features four vehicular lanes and dedicated footpaths. Of the total structure, 565 metres have been built by the BMC and the remaining 50 metres by the Railways.
Vikhroli East-West connector bridge nears completion, promising faster commute and better connectivity | File Photo
Notably, this will be India’s longest railway overbridge featuring an open-web girder system over active railway tracks. Once opened to the public, the bridge is expected to reduce commute time from the current 25–30 minutes to just seven minutes, offering a much-needed relief to daily commuters.
"The bridge structure and approach roads are complete. Remaining work—including noise barrier installation, painting, and lane marking on the west side—will be finished in two days. We are coordinating with traffic police, and the bridge will open to traffic soon,” said a senior civic official.
Local resident Prashant Palav added, “While Ghatkopar and Kanjurmarg have east-west overbridges, Vikhroli residents had to travel through those areas to cross between east and west. Finally, we can save time and fuel.”
The bridge project was conceived in 1997 but construction began only in 2018. Initially estimated at Rs 70 crore, delays have pushed the cost up to Rs 180 crore.
