The Bombay High Court has given its approval for the demolition of the historic Elphinstone bridge, marking a significant step forward for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in advancing the much-anticipated Sewri-Worli Connector.
The court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that had questioned the necessity of removing the British-era structure, enabling MMRDA to proceed with plans for this vital infrastructure project aimed at enhancing east-west connectivity. The PIL was filed by a local resident who argued that the bridge, despite being old, remained structurally sound. However, the court sided with MMRDA’s technical reports, which deemed the bridge unsafe for continued use. This legal victory comes shortly after local protests and concerns from residents living in the vicinity, many of whom were anxious about the impact of the demolition on their daily lives and surrounding infrastructure. Despite the protests, the court concluded that the bridge’s removal was crucial for the larger public good and for alleviating traffic congestion in the area.
The Elphinstone bridge is situated along the alignment for the Sewri-Worli Connector, a key project that will connect the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) to the city’s coastal road networks. This elevated 4.5-km corridor is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in central Mumbai, providing much-needed relief near high-traffic zones such as Dadar, Parel, and key hospitals like KEM and Tata Memorial. The decision to demolish the Elphinstone bridge is seen as an essential move to expand roads around these critical areas, helping to alleviate congestion and improve accessibility.
While the court ruling has cleared the legal hurdles for demolition, MMRDA now faces the challenge of addressing the concerns of project-affected persons (PAPs) in Sewri. Many residents of 19 buildings in the area are requesting in-situ rehabilitation, expressing concerns that the compensation offered by MMRDA, ranging from INR 25 to 40 lakh, is insufficient for securing housing within the same locality. These residents have called for relocation options within the neighbourhood rather than being shifted to distant suburbs, which they argue would disrupt their lives further. In response, MMRDA has committed to reviewing these requests and has stated that they will work with residents who have clear property documents to explore viable solutions.
As MMRDA presses ahead with the demolition and the accompanying rehabilitation efforts, the timeline for completing the Sewri-Worli Connector remains critical. The authorities are under pressure to meet deadlines for this essential project, which is seen as a key enabler of Mumbai’s broader urban mobility plans. While the court ruling has provided a green light for demolition, the ongoing protests and demands for equitable rehabilitation could continue to influence the pace of work. MMRDA’s ability to balance the needs of residents with the project’s long-term benefits will be crucial as it moves forward with both construction and compensation strategies.
The Elphinstone bridge demolition not only represents a significant milestone for the Sewri-Worli Connector but also underscores the complex balancing act involved in urban development in Mumbai. As the city continues to expand, it remains to be seen how authorities will manage the demands of growing infrastructure needs with the concerns of affected communities. The court’s decision to approve the demolition is a necessary step toward meeting Mumbai’s connectivity challenges, but it also highlights the need for transparent, inclusive processes in major infrastructure projects.
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