Byculla ROB Project 60% Complete, Cable-Stayed Bridge to Ease Traffic by 2025
The Byculla Road Over Bridge (ROB) project in Mumbai is now 60% complete, promising to significantly ease traffic congestion in the area. The ambitious project, which is set to replace the outdated ROB with a modern cable-stayed bridge, is expected to be finished by October 2025. Initially slated for completion in 2024, the project faced delays due to encroachment issues.
The existing Byculla ROB, which connects the eastern and western parts of the city near the Byculla Railway Station on the Eastern Express Highway, has surpassed its designed lifespan. In response, the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail) is constructing a new cable-stayed bridge next to the old structure. Once complete, this state-of-the-art bridge will not only serve as a vital traffic link but also stand as a modern landmark for the city, symbolising Mumbai’s evolving infrastructure. The new bridge will feature four lanes, expanding the current two-lane bridge to accommodate the city’s ever-growing traffic needs. This addition will not only help alleviate congestion but also make commuting smoother and more efficient for Mumbai’s residents.
One of the key aspects of the new bridge is the integrated system designed to handle utilities more safely. Many bridges typically have utility lines running overhead, which pose safety hazards. To resolve this, MahaRail has introduced a three-tier utility duct system, which will run through the crash barrier, ensuring safe assembly, inspection, and maintenance of electrical and telephone lines without compromising public safety. This innovative approach guarantees that all cables are contained within the ducts, protecting them from external elements and reducing the risk of accidents. Adding to its appeal, the new bridge will be equipped with advanced LED decorative lighting, which will complement the surrounding environment while enhancing the structure’s visual aesthetic. The remote-controlled architectural LED lighting will ensure visibility at night, with tri-color lighting illuminating the bridge during special national celebrations such as Independence Day and Republic Day.
Additionally, the design will feature designated selfie points, giving visitors the opportunity to capture and share memorable moments with the iconic structure as a backdrop. To address the challenges posed by the vegetable market and the railway line, MahaRail will employ specialised DEC equipment for the erection work over these bottleneck areas. This strategic planning ensures that construction progresses smoothly and without further delays. Once completed, traffic will be diverted from the old ROB to the new bridge. As part of this transition, one span of the current ‘Y’ Bridge will be dismantled and connected to the new cable-stayed bridge. This careful planning ensures both the preservation of the historical significance of the existing ROB and the uninterrupted flow of traffic to and from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). With the Byculla ROB project nearing completion, Mumbai’s transport network will benefit from a much-needed upgrade, enhancing safety, traffic management, and the city’s infrastructure for the future.
