Mumbai's Double-Decker Elphinstone Bridge Set for September Completion; April Target Fixed for Lower Deck

The Maharashtra government, along with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, has asked the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation to speed up construction of a double-decker road over a bridge that will replace the British-era Elphinstone Bridge in central Mumbai. The project is considered vital for easing congestion and strengthening connectivity in the busy corridor. Authorities have tightened deadlines to prevent delays from affecting other key infrastructure works linked to the city’s expanding transport network.

1. Revised Deadlines for Completion
Officials have set April as the target for finishing the lower deck of the bridge, while the upper deck is expected to be completed by September. The accelerated timeline is aimed at ensuring that associated infrastructure projects remain on schedule. The bridge is seen as a critical upgrade to aging infrastructure and a necessary step to improve traffic movement in one of Mumbai’s most congested zones.

2. High-Level Review to Fast-Track Work
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also chairs MMRDA, recently conducted a review meeting with MRIDC officials. During the discussion, he directed authorities to expedite construction and closely monitor progress. The revised schedule is considered essential to avoid setbacks to the larger Sewri–Worli Connector corridor and to maintain momentum across interconnected transport initiatives.

3. Current Dismantling Work Over Western Railway Tracks
MRIDC is presently removing sections of the century-old steel bridge that pass above Western Railway lines. The dismantling process is being carried out during scheduled three-hour night blocks when suburban train services are temporarily suspended. Cranes have been stationed at both ends of the bridge, while workers are cutting and clearing steel girders near the tracks to ensure safe and systematic removal.

4. Next Phase Over Central Railway Lines
Once work over Western Railway tracks concludes, dismantling will begin on the portion above Central Railway lines. The new 132-metre-long double-decker bridge will form a crucial link in the Sewri–Worli Connector corridor, significantly improving east-west connectivity. However, officials have acknowledged that coordination issues among MRIDC, Central Railway and Western Railway have slowed approvals, block scheduling and execution planning.

5. Handover Dates and Project Timeline
According to MRIDC officials, the section over Central Railway tracks was handed over on November 7, 2025, while the Western Railway portion was transferred on December 30, 2025. Although the sanctioned duration for the project is 365 days, authorities are attempting to complete the entire bridge by September 2026 to align with broader infrastructure timelines.

6. Financial Dispute With Railways
Another challenge involves a disagreement over railway-related charges. The railways have reportedly demanded Rs 106 crore in way-leave and associated fees for work carried out on railway land. MRIDC officials argue that the amount is excessive, particularly when compared to the total estimated project cost of Rs 167 crore, adding another layer of complexity to the project’s execution.