Mumbai is about to witness another major infrastructure change as the Elphinstone Bridge to shut from Friday night, April 25, 2025, at 9 PM. This iconic bridge, which has connected the busy neighborhoods of Parel and Prabhadevi for nearly 125 years, will undergo demolition and reconstruction as part of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Let’s break down what’s happening, how it affects commuters, and the plans in place to keep the city moving.
Why Elphinstone Bridge To Shut?
The main reason the Elphinstone Bridge is to shut is for safety and infrastructure upgrades. The structure is nearly 125 years old and no longer meets modern urban needs. It will be replaced by a new, safer, and wider bridge. This is part of MMRDA’s larger plan to improve east-west connectivity in Mumbai through the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, which will play a key role in easing traffic congestion once complete.
Timeline of the Closure
- Closure Date & Time: Friday, April 25, 2025, at 9 PM.
- Expected Duration: Around two years.
- Reason: Full demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new one.
Commuters should prepare for significant changes in their daily routes during this long-term closure.
Traffic Diversion Plan Announced
With Elphinstone Bridge to shut, Mumbai Traffic Police have stepped in with a detailed plan for vehicle diversions. These routes are designed to ease traffic pressure and were refined based on public feedback.
Here are the key diversion routes:
| From/To | Alternate Route(s) & Timing |
|---|---|
| Dadar East to Dadar West / Market | Tilak Bridge |
| Parel East to Prabhadevi / Lower Parel | Currey Road Bridge (7 AM – 3 PM) |
| Parel/Byculla East to Worli/Coastal Road/Sea Link | Chinchpokli Bridge |
| Dadar West to Dadar East | Tilak Bridge |
| Prabhadevi/Lower Parel to Parel/TATA/KEM Hospital | Currey Road Bridge (3 PM – 11 PM) |
| Worli/Sea Link/Prabhadevi to Parel/Byculla East | Chinchpokli Bridge |
- Currey Road Bridge has timed access: east to west from 7 AM–3 PM, and west to east from 3 PM–11 PM.
- Tilak and Chinchpokli bridges will be the primary alternate options throughout the day.
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Emergency Services and Public Safety
Understanding the importance of hospital access in this busy part of the city, authorities are deploying emergency measures during the closure:
- Ambulances will be stationed near Prabhadevi Railway Station (West Footbridge) and Parel Railway Station (East).
- Wheelchairs will also be made available for patients who need assistance reaching nearby hospitals.
These efforts are meant to ensure that healthcare access remains uninterrupted despite the closure.
Citizens’ Voices Included
A positive takeaway from this move is that the final traffic diversion plan was crafted with feedback from Mumbaikars. The public’s suggestions helped shape routes that are more practical and commuter-friendly.
A Step Toward a Stronger Mumbai
The Elphinstone Bridge to shut might cause temporary inconvenience, but it marks a major step toward rebuilding Mumbai’s aging infrastructure. Once completed, the new bridge will have a modern design, enhanced safety, and more capacity—helping the city move faster and safer.
This closure is part of a broader effort to upgrade old British-era bridges across the city. With each redevelopment, Mumbai inches closer to becoming a truly future-ready metropolis.
Final Word
As the Elphinstone Bridge to shut from April 25, commuters are urged to plan their routes in advance and stay patient. The next two years may bring some traffic pain, but they’ll also pave the way for a stronger, smarter Mumbai.
