HomeInfrastructureByculla Bridge Construction Delays Make Roads and Footpaths Unusable

Byculla Bridge Construction Delays Make Roads and Footpaths Unusable

The promise of seamless east-west connectivity in Byculla remains unfulfilled as mounting confusion, delays, and civic discontent cloud the future of the long-awaited cable-stayed bridge project.

What began as a ₹287 crore joint venture between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) in 2020 is yet to inspire confidence among residents even as the project inches closer to its revised 2025-end deadline. The proposed bridge is expected to replace and consolidate three ageing structures two unidirectional road overbridges and a near-century-old rail bridge into a single, six-lane corridor. The new infrastructure is meant to streamline traffic between Byculla East and West, easing one of South Mumbai’s longstanding bottlenecks. While the bridge promises modern engineering and sustainable traffic flow, its on-ground execution has left much to be desired.

Locals describe the situation as nothing short of disruptive. Construction zones have taken over once-accessible roads, while footpaths — once redeveloped under Mumbai’s street beautification plans — have been ripped apart, stripped of trees, and rendered unwalkable. Concerns are now mounting not only about mobility but also about the urban environment, pedestrian safety, and accessibility for senior citizens and the disabled. Residents question the lack of public communication about the scope and integration of the new bridge. With the existing bridges still operational despite being declared structurally unsafe in a post-2018 audit by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, many fear a disaster similar to the Gokhale Bridge collapse could be imminent. Corroded steel, monsoon-induced waterlogging, and visibly deteriorating support elements raise questions that authorities have yet to answer in public forums.

The original deadline for the bridge’s completion was July 2024, but the civic body now pegs the revised target at the end of 2025. The delays, officials say, stem from challenges in shifting underground utilities, removing encroachments, and coordinating with multiple agencies including Indian Railways. While these obstacles are common in high-density urban redevelopment, what stands out in this case is the opacity around timelines and public engagement. From an urban planning perspective, the project highlights a broader concern — infrastructure upgrades in Mumbai are often reactive rather than proactive, with sustainability and equity taking a backseat. Although the cable-stayed design over railway tracks is intended to reduce environmental and operational disruptions, the broader implementation appears to ignore the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and small vendors. No clear mitigation plan has been laid out to compensate for the loss of green cover or pedestrian pathways.

Moreover, the bridge is being built in a zone of immense historical and socio-cultural value, near the iconic Rani Baug and bustling Nagpada junction. The lack of harmony between heritage preservation, citizen convenience, and infrastructure goals reflects a recurring urban planning challenge in India’s financial capital. Motorists, too, have been caught in the crossfire of detours, diversions, and vague signage. Many remain unsure of the exact layout and landing points of the proposed structure. Their frustration is compounded by frequent peak-hour congestion and a complete lack of community consultation, leading to perceptions that public convenience is being sacrificed at the altar of poorly executed development.

While city officials insist that work is progressing and that deadlines will be met, the lived reality tells another story. Until clear, citizen-centric plans are made visible  and actioned transparently the Byculla bridge saga risks becoming another cautionary tale in Mumbai’s patchy infrastructure legacy. For a city aspiring to become a global financial and green capital, the answer cannot simply lie in concrete and cables. It must also lie in transparent planning, inclusive public space, and a stronger commitment to creating human-centric, sustainable cities.

Also Read :Delhi to get Rs 24000 crore for new road projects

Byculla Bridge Construction Delays Make Roads and Footpaths Unusable
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