In a major move that will impact thousands of daily commuters, Mumbai’s Elphinstone Road Over Bridge is set to shut down for two years starting April 10, 2025. The closure comes as part of the ongoing Sewri-Worli Connector project. Authorities have announced that the old structure will be demolished and replaced with a modern double-decker flyover.
Elphinstone Road Over Bridge to Shutdown for Users
The Elphinstone Road Over Bridge is an important east-west connector in central Mumbai. It plays a crucial role in connecting key areas like Parel, Prabhadevi, and Dadar. With major hospitals, offices, and residential areas nearby, the closure is expected to significantly affect daily traffic in the region.
To manage this disruption, the Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a detailed plan outlining diversions and alternate routes. These traffic changes are aimed at easing congestion and keeping key roads accessible during the bridge reconstruction.
West-bound traffic heading towards Dadar West will now have to use BA Road and Tilak Bridge as an alternative. Meanwhile, vehicles heading towards Prabhadevi and Worli will be rerouted via the Lower Parel Bridge and Mahadev Palav Road.
East-bound commuters will also need to take the Lower Parel Bridge and Mahadev Palav Road to reach Parel. NM Joshi Road and Chinchpokli Bridge have also been suggested as alternate routes for specific destinations to help distribute the traffic load.
Apart from diversions, the traffic department has introduced several no-parking zones on adjoining roads. These steps are being taken to avoid further congestion and ensure smooth vehicular movement in surrounding areas.
The Elphinstone Road Over Bridge has long served as a lifeline for both private and public vehicles. With its closure, delays are inevitable, especially during peak hours. Citizens are being urged to adjust their travel plans and explore public transport options whenever possible.
To further ease the inconvenience, authorities are encouraging commuters to use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze. These tools can provide real-time traffic updates and help identify less congested routes based on current conditions.
Travelers are also advised to avoid peak traffic hours. Leaving earlier in the morning or delaying travel to non-peak periods could reduce the chances of getting stuck in long jams. Flexibility in travel timing will be key during this two-year period.
For those who can’t avoid road travel, carpooling with colleagues or neighbors is another effective way to reduce the number of vehicles on already busy roads. It’s a small step that could make a big difference in reducing traffic pressure.
Public transport will play an essential role during the shutdown of the Elphinstone Road Over Bridge. Mumbai’s suburban railway network and BEST bus services offer a practical solution for many. Authorities hope more people will shift to these options to reduce road traffic.
Residents and local business owners have also been given the chance to submit objections or suggestions related to the proposed traffic diversions. The deadline for submitting feedback is April 13, giving the public a short window to voice their concerns.
The rebuilding of the Elphinstone Road Over Bridge is part of Mumbai’s larger infrastructure revamp. Once completed, the new double-decker flyover is expected to improve traffic flow and offer long-term benefits. However, the immediate challenge lies in dealing with daily disruptions during construction.
As the city gears up for this major change, patience and planning will be key. While the closure of the Elphinstone Road Over Bridge will bring inconvenience in the short term, the hope is that a better, faster route awaits Mumbai once the project is completed.