Mumbai’s Sion and Vidyavihar bridges, along with the Goregaon connector, could open to traffic this weekend after construction work on all three links was completed, civic officials said. The infrastructure is currently awaiting the availability of the chief minister and deputy chief minister for its formal inauguration.
The three links are expected to improve connectivity for motorists and other commuters once they are officially opened. Their completion comes after prolonged public anticipation, particularly around the rebuilding of the Sion bridge and the reopening of the Vidyavihar connection.
The timing of the opening has become a point of political criticism. Opposition leaders have questioned why residents should continue waiting when the structures are ready for use, arguing that a formal ceremony should not delay access to completed public infrastructure.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray urged the state government to open the Sion bridge without waiting for a VIP visit or an auspicious date. “Please don’t wait for mahurats and VIP dates to open up this bridge,” Thackeray said in a social media post tagging the Chief Minister’s Office. He described the bridge as a crucial connector that citizens had been waiting to see rebuilt and said commuters should not have to wait because senior leaders were unavailable.
The situation has also led to informal use of the Sion bridge. Local residents said two-wheelers had begun crossing the structure despite barricades remaining in place and the bridge not being formally opened. Pedestrians were also using its footpath, while four-wheelers continued to be kept off the bridge.
At Vidyavihar, Ghatkopar MLA Parag Shah said the bridge could be opened at any time because work on it had been completed. The statement indicates that the remaining delay is linked to the formal opening process rather than unfinished construction at the site.
The three projects highlight the difference between completing a transport structure and putting it into public service. Until the authorities remove barricades, complete any required operational checks and formally permit traffic, commuters remain unable to use the links through the normal access arrangements. Unofficial use of a restricted bridge can also create safety and liability concerns, particularly when different classes of vehicles are being allowed or prevented from entering.
Civic officials have not announced a confirmed opening time in the report. The links are expected to become available over the weekend, subject to the inauguration schedule and the authorities’ decision to allow public access.
