Mumbai’s Elphinstone Bridge to Shut for Two Years for Reconstruction: Key Alternative Routes Announced

In a major infrastructural development, Mumbai’s iconic Elphinstone Bridge will be closed to traffic for a period of two years. The closure is part of the reconstruction efforts for the upcoming Worli-Shivdi Connector project. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will undertake the demolition and replacement of the old bridge with a modern double-decker structure.

The planned closure is expected to significantly affect vehicular traffic in the area. To manage the anticipated congestion, suggestions and objections regarding the proposed bridge demolition are being invited until April 13. If no major objections are received, traffic will be halted by April 15, and demolition work will commence shortly thereafter.

Alternative Traffic Routes Announced

In light of the bridge closure, revised traffic routes have been put in place to minimize disruption:

• From Madke Buwa Chowk (Parel TT Junction):
  Vehicles will proceed via Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road to Krishna Nagar Junction, Parel Workshop, and Bharat Mata Junction. From there, they will turn right onto Mahadev Palav Road, cross the Curry Road Railway Bridge, and then turn right from Shingte Master Chowk to reach the Lower Parel Bridge.

• From Khodadad Circle:
  Vehicles will take a right turn and proceed via Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road towards Tilak Bridge.

• From Sant Rohidas Chowk (Elphinstone Junction):
  Vehicles will continue straight, take a left at Vadacha Naka Junction, and proceed via the Lower Parel Bridge. They will then turn left to reach their destination through Mahadev Palav Road and the Curry Road Railway Bridge.

One-Way Timings on Mahadev Palav Road

Traffic on Mahadev Palav Road (Curry Road Railway Bridge) between Comrade Krishna Desai Chowk (Bharat Mata Junction) and Shingte Master Chowk will be regulated as follows:

• Open for one-way traffic from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM in one direction

• Reversed for one-way traffic from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

• Open for two-way traffic from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly and expect delays during peak hours. The traffic department, in collaboration with MMRDA, will monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments as the project progresses.