Elphinstone Bridge Closure in Mumbai: Traffic Diversions Announced Amid Upcoming Reconstruction
The closure of the Elphinstone Bridge, a key connector between Worli and Sewri, was scheduled to begin today. However, as of this morning, the bridge remained open to traffic. Authorities have confirmed that the closure will be implemented shortly to facilitate major reconstruction work, which is expected to continue for the next two years.
The bridge, located near Prabhadevi railway station, will be demolished and replaced with a double-decker bridge, a project managed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This upgrade is part of the larger Worli-Sewri Elevated Corridor, which will provide direct connectivity between Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
The upcoming closure is expected to significantly impact traffic flow, especially in areas such as Dadar West, Lower Parel, and Mahalaxmi, as commuters from Sion and Matunga will face route diversions. The Mumbai Traffic Police have issued detailed alternative routes to manage the expected congestion.
Official Traffic Diversion Plan by Mumbai Traffic Police
To ease the anticipated traffic congestion, the following diversions and route changes will be implemented:
Route 1: Vehicles from Madke Buwa Chowk will turn right and proceed via Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road. Similarly, vehicles from Khodadad Circle can turn left and take Tilak Bridge Road to reach their destination.
Route 2: From Madke Buwa Chowk (Parel TT Junction), vehicles will continue along Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, pass through Krishna Nagar Junction, Parel Workshop, Supari Baug Junction, and Bharat Mata Junction. From there, they will turn right onto Mahadev Palav Road, cross the Curry Road Railway Bridge, and turn right at Shingte Master Chowk to reach Lower Parel Bridge.
Route 3: From Dadar TT Junction, vehicles will turn right onto Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and continue towards Tilak Bridge.
Route 4: Vehicles from Sant Rohidas Chowk (Elphinstone Junction) will proceed straight, then turn left at Wadacha Naka Junction, continue via Lower Parel Bridge to Shingte Master Chowk, and finally turn left onto Mahadev Palav Road towards Bharat Mata Junction via the Curry Road Railway Bridge.
Timed Traffic Movement: On Mahadev Palav Road (Curry Road Railway Bridge), between Comrade Krishna Desai Chowk (Bharat Mata Junction) and Shingte Master Chowk, traffic will be allowed in one direction from 7 AM to 3 PM, and in the opposite direction from 3 PM to 8 PM. Both directions will remain open from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Impact and Advisory
With the closure of the Elphinstone Bridge imminent, motorists and daily commuters are advised to plan alternate routes, expect longer travel times, and follow real-time updates from traffic authorities. The reconstruction aims to improve long-term infrastructure and connectivity, but in the short term, Mumbaikars will need to brace for considerable traffic disruptions.
Stay tuned to official traffic advisories and updates for a smoother commute during this transition.