Mumbai’s Elphinstone Bridge to finally shut for 2 years from April 25; know alternate routes

After extensive deliberation, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed the closure of the 125-year-old Elphinstone Bridge from April 25. The bridge will remain shut for two years to facilitate the demolition of the existing structure and the construction of a modern, four-lane double-decker flyover.

Initially slated for closure on April 10, then postponed to April 15, the decision was delayed to gather public feedback. A formal notification issued on Wednesday confirmed the final closure date, with traffic diversions to come into effect from 9:00 pm on April 25.

Given the bridge’s proximity to major hospitals and commercial hubs, the closure is expected to cause significant disruption. To mitigate this, traffic police have announced the following diversions:

• Tilak Bridge (Dadar) and Chinchpokli Bridge will remain open in both directions for motorists crossing the railway tracks.

• Currey Road Bridge will operate in time slots:

  • 7:00 am to 3:00 pm: Open from Parel East to Prabhadevi/Lower Parel

  • 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm: Open in the opposite direction

  • 11:00 pm to 7:00 am: Open in both directions

These alternate arrangements are based on suggestions received from citizens following the publication of the draft notification on April 8.

The Elphinstone Bridge will be replaced by the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, a 4.5-km double-decker flyover. It will connect Atal Setu in the east to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in the west. Notable features include:

• Two bridges spanning active railway lines at Sewri and Parel/Prabhadevi

• Steel structures will be built using the push-pull method to avoid train disruptions

• Level One: Four lanes (two in each direction) linking Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road with Senapati Bapat Marg

• Level Two: Four lanes connecting Atal Setu to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link

Further, to reduce inconvenience, the northern foot over-bridge at Parel Station will be designated as a non-ticketed zone, for public access. Moreover, a new southern foot over-bridge is nearing completion. Round-the-clock ambulance support will be available on both sides of the construction site to assist in medical emergencies.