Mumbai’s public transport network is set to undergo a temporary but significant reorganisation as the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) adjusts its bus routes from the Parel Depot in response to the planned demolition of the Elphinstone Bridge. The bridge, a critical east-west connector in central Mumbai, is being dismantled by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to make way for a modern double-decker bridge designed to ease congestion and accommodate growing commuter traffic.
The rerouting directive affects both ordinary and semi-luxury buses operating between Parel Depot and Dadar. The revised route now traverses Madke Buwa Chowk, Parel T.T. Junction, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Krishna Nagar Junction, Parel Workshop, Supari Baug Junction, Bharat Mata Junction, Sant Jagannath Chowk, Sane Guruji Marg, Chinchpokli Bridge, Gulabrao Ganacharya Chowk, Chinchpokli Junction, and N.M. Joshi Marg before reaching the Parel Depot. This minor extension increases the one-way travel distance from 6.0 km to 6.2 km, resulting in a fare stage adjustment under MSRTC’s pricing system, potentially translating into a marginal fare increase for daily commuters. Premium Shivneri and e-Shivneri services are also affected. In the Dadar-to-Parel direction, these buses will now pass through Dadar T.T. Circle, Tilak Bridge, Kabutarkhana, Bhavani Shankar Road, Sharadashram, and Gopinath Chavan Chowk before reaching Parel Bus Station, extending the journey by 0.4 km. Return trips from Parel to Dadar will follow Baburao Parulekar Marg, Bhavani Shankar Road, Kabutarkhana, and Dadar T.T. Circle, increasing the distance by 0.9 km.
MSRTC officials emphasised that while the changes are minor in terms of distance, they may impact travel times, fuel consumption, and commuter expenses. “These adjustments are necessary to maintain uninterrupted bus services while the Elphinstone Bridge undergoes demolition and reconstruction,” stated a senior MSRTC transport planner. The revised routes are scheduled to take effect immediately upon the bridge’s closure, affecting thousands of daily passengers who rely on these critical transport links. The temporary rerouting underscores the city’s broader challenge of managing urban mobility during infrastructure upgrades. By coordinating traffic management, maintaining route efficiency, and informing commuters of fare changes, MSRTC aims to sustain reliable public transport while the redevelopment project progresses. Experts note that such proactive measures are crucial for ensuring equitable access to transportation, reducing congestion on alternative routes, and supporting sustainable urban mobility in Mumbai’s densely populated central districts.
Commuters are advised to monitor updated schedules and fare information through official MSRTC channels. Authorities have urged public cooperation to maintain smooth transit operations, emphasising safety, punctuality, and minimal disruption during this period of infrastructure transition.
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