The Western Railway has completed the reconstruction of a critical bridge located between Mahim and Bandra stations in Mumbai. The project marks the end of an engineering era as the final cast iron screw pile foundation bridge on the entire Indian Railways network has now been replaced.
The bridge, known as Bridge No. 20 and spanning the Mithi River, has been entirely rebuilt with contemporary abutments and upgraded structural elements, significantly enhancing safety on one of the busiest suburban corridors in the country. The former bridge, dating back to the British era, stood on cast iron screw pile foundations—an outdated design prone to sudden collapse without prior structural warning. With passenger safety at the core of Indian Railways’ modernisation policy, the Railway Board had mandated the removal of all such risky foundations from the network. Western Railway’s completion of this replacement not only adheres to this national directive but also showcases the railway zone’s commitment to safer, more resilient infrastructure, especially in a city where suburban trains serve as a lifeline for millions.
Executed under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract awarded in March 2023, the project was completed in two meticulously planned phases to minimise disruption to Mumbai’s high-frequency rail services. Engineers faced formidable challenges, including the construction of coffer dams in the tidal Mithi River, lack of direct access routes to the bridge site, and the need to block multiple stabling lines to allow machinery movement. Despite these obstacles, the team successfully completed the final phase over two consecutive mega night blocks between April 11 and 13, involving around 150 personnel, heavy machinery, and specialised railway equipment.
The project’s completion not only brings an end to the operational risk associated with obsolete screw pile structures but also reinstates trust in the durability of suburban rail networks that sustain Mumbai’s urban rhythm. With new abutments in place and existing steel girders re-launched, the upgraded bridge is now structurally robust, future-ready, and aligned with India’s evolving sustainability goals. Though not directly tied to emissions control, such infrastructure interventions significantly contribute to long-term resilience and safety—key tenets of sustainable urban mobility.
Delivered well before the onset of the monsoon season, this redevelopment further ensures uninterrupted rail movement during heavy rains, protecting commuters from service disruptions that historically plagued the region. In a city where every train counts and delays ripple through densely packed schedules, such proactive planning sets a benchmark for other metropolitan rail projects. While this bridge upgrade may not have drawn the spotlight of glitzy inaugurations, its silent strength will be felt daily by lakhs of passengers who rely on dependable and secure train journeys.
Bandra Railway Bridge Rebuilt Amid High Traffic Constraints
