The planned closure of Mumbai’s 125-year-old Elphinstone Bridge has been postponed, with authorities yet to announce a new date for its shutdown. Originally slated to be closed to traffic from April 10, the bridge remains open, even as civic agencies continue infrastructure work in the vicinity.
According to a draft notification issued by the Mumbai Traffic Police on April 8, the bridge was scheduled to shut down to facilitate demolition and reconstruction work. However, the notice also invited public suggestions and objections until April 13, a consultation period that has now ended without any formal update from officials.
The delay has raised concerns over coordination between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and the city’s traffic department. The bridge’s closure was expected to cause significant traffic disruptions in the area, prompting authorities to formulate diversion plans well in advance.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Anil Kumbhare, confirmed that the traffic department is in constant communication with the MMRDA and BMC. “Only after reviewing the progress of the surrounding roadworks will the flyover be shut,” he told The Free Press Journal. He added that enforcement action would be taken against illegal roadside parking in the area to ensure smoother traffic flow.
In preparation for the anticipated closure, the Mumbai Traffic Police has rolled out a detailed traffic diversion plan. Key alternate routes include Tilak Bridge, Arthur Road Bridge (Chinchpokli), and Curry Road Bridge, which are expected to absorb the diverted traffic and ease congestion.
However, traffic officials clarified that the diversion plans are interim, and any final decisions will depend on the completion of ongoing roadworks around the Elphinstone Bridge.
The century-old bridge, constructed in 1913 during the British era, plays a crucial role in linking Parel and Prabhadevi. It is now set to be demolished and replaced with a modern double-decker bridge. The demolition and reconstruction of the bridge are part of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project.
The Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project is a vital 4.5 km long, 4-lane (2+2) divided elevated corridor designed to serve as a traffic dispersal route for the Mumbai side of the Atal Setu. Once complete, the corridor will connect the Atal Setu seamlessly with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, significantly reducing travel time and providing signal-free access to central and south Mumbai for commuters from Navi Mumbai.
