Mumbai BMC urges delay in Borivli ROB reconstruction amid projects
Mumbai’s civic administration has asked the railway authorities to delay the planned demolition and reconstruction of the Field Marshal General Cariappa Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Borivli, warning that the move could trigger severe traffic disruptions. Built in 1993 and serving as the only road link between Borivli East and West, the bridge is critical to daily commuting. Officials say repairs and strengthening could keep it operational for several more years, helping ease congestion during overlapping infrastructure works.
According to senior civic officials, the Western Railway had proposed dismantling and rebuilding the structure, claiming its codal life was nearing completion. The railway plan, estimated at ₹87 crore, aimed to start demolition in October 2025 as part of long-term safety and infrastructure renewal measures. However, the municipal corporation contends that the bridge’s pre-stressed concrete structure still has an estimated eight years of functional life left, making immediate demolition unnecessary.
The appeal comes at a time when the locality is already under strain from two large-scale projects — the Kora Kendra Phase II flyover and the Thane–Borivli twin tunnel project being executed by the metropolitan development authority. Both developments have led to significant traffic diversions and longer commute times. Officials warn that removing the ROB during this period would create a bottleneck affecting thousands of daily commuters and freight movement.
Civic engineers have instead recommended a detailed structural audit to assess the bridge’s condition and determine the scope of repairs or reinforcement needed to extend its operational life by at least three to four years. This approach, they argue, would allow the bridge to remain functional until other nearby projects are completed, easing the transition to eventual reconstruction. Experts on urban transport caution that infrastructure renewal must be balanced with traffic management and sustainability considerations. Sudden removal of key connectors, especially in densely populated suburban corridors, can escalate emissions from idling vehicles, increase fuel wastage, and disrupt commercial supply chains. By phasing major works and coordinating timelines across agencies, cities can minimise economic loss and environmental impact.
Railway officials have acknowledged receiving the request and are in discussions with the civic body to explore the feasibility of postponing demolition. While maintaining public safety remains the top priority, both sides are working to align project schedules to ensure minimal disruption. The outcome of these talks could set an important precedent for infrastructure planning in congested urban zones, where the sequencing of repairs, demolitions, and new builds plays a decisive role in sustaining mobility and reducing environmental strain. For now, the Borivli ROB continues to bear the weight of both traffic and debate, as the city weighs its options between urgency and practicality.
