Mumbai’s arterial Dadar is currently grappling with escalating traffic chaos as the reconstruction of the vital Tilak Bridge faces significant delays.
This crucial road over bridge, initially constructed in 2019, was identified by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as one of 40 critical structures necessitating reconstruction due to pressing structural concerns and the ever-increasing volume of traffic it shoulders daily. The revised infrastructure plan prioritises the construction of a parallel bridge before the existing, overburdened structure is dismantled. The ambitious INR 375 crore project, spearheaded by the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), commenced in 2022. However, progress on this essential undertaking has proceeded at a pace that has left local residents and daily commuters increasingly exasperated. Presently, the foundational work for the new bridge has been completed, and the construction of its supporting piers is underway. The project is slated for delivery in two distinct phases. The initial phase focuses on the creation of a three-lane bridge running parallel to the existing one, with an anticipated completion date in late 2025. Upon its operationalisation, the second phase will commence, involving the demolition and subsequent rebuilding of the older bridge structure.
The protracted delays have, however, precipitated a daily ordeal for those navigating the Dadar area. The existing Tilak Bridge, already acknowledged as a narrow thoroughfare, now contends with further constriction as vehicular traffic from all directions is funnelled into the immediate vicinity of the ongoing construction zone. Urban planning experts point to the compounding effects of encroachments and a perceived lack of robust traffic management strategies near key local landmarks such as NGC Nagar and Plaza Cinema. On one flank, the proliferation of unauthorised hawkers and vegetable vendors has effectively commandeered significant portions of the roadway, severely limiting the available space for both pedestrian and vehicular movement. Conversely, the proximity of a recently constructed residential tower to the road has created a substantial bottleneck, further impeding the smooth flow of traffic.
Anticipating a significant surge in traffic volume once the new bridge becomes operational, the final design incorporates a future-proofed configuration featuring three lanes in each direction, a notable upgrade from the current two-plus-two lane arrangement. Furthermore, the alignment of the new bridge is being subtly shifted to achieve a more harmonious integration with evolving road layouts and adjacent buildings, aiming for a more seamless traffic flow in the long term. The repercussions of these delays are being acutely felt by both public transport users and private vehicle owners alike. Civic activists have voiced concerns over the absence of effective interim solutions to mitigate the escalating congestion, arguing that this lack of proactive planning has exacerbated the daily struggles of commuters. Their estimations suggest that individuals who regularly rely on the Tilak Bridge could face an increase in their daily commute time by at least 30 minutes once the demolition of the old bridge commences in earnest.
The BMC has a substantial pipeline of over 20 bridge projects across the city, with the Tilak Bridge reconstruction holding a position of critical importance due to its central location and the sheer volume of traffic it manages on a daily basis. The Madh Versova Bridge is anticipated to be the next major infrastructure project to be undertaken. However, for the foreseeable future, the residents and commuters of Dadar face a period of intensified congestion before the promised improvements can materialise, underscoring the delicate balance between essential infrastructure upgrades and the daily realities of urban mobility.
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