The demolition of Mumbai’s 100-year-old Elphinstone Road overbridge, which once linked Parel and Prabhadevi, has sparked widespread traffic chaos and noise distress across central Mumbai. As part of the city’s infrastructure modernisation efforts, the bridge was closed in mid-September to make way for a new, safer structure — but the fallout on urban mobility and liveability has been immediate and severe.
Residents near the Currey Road and Lower Parel stretches report being trapped in round-the-clock congestion, with honking and ambulance sirens echoing through the densely populated neighbourhood. Locals say the continuous noise — amplified by proximity to major hospitals like KEM, Wadia, and Tata Memorial — has made the area nearly unliveable, particularly for senior citizens and patients. A resident from Parel East said the constant soundscape had turned once-quiet lanes into a “traffic corridor without respite”. “Even past midnight, sirens and horns don’t stop,” the resident noted, adding that the situation had worsened since the bridge closure.
Traffic authorities have rolled out a series of diversions to redirect vehicles between Dadar, Currey Road, and Bharatmata Junction. Motorists travelling towards CSMT are being diverted via Lower Parel and Currey Road bridges. However, congestion remains persistent, particularly during peak office hours, with travel times between Dadar and Lalbaug stretching up to 45 minutes for short 3-km commutes. A senior traffic official acknowledged that the initial disruption was significant but assured that signal adjustments and monitoring had begun to ease the situation. “We are coordinating with hospitals to facilitate ambulance movement and reduce siren disturbances at night,” the official said.
Urban mobility experts argue that while the bridge demolition is a necessary step toward modernising the city’s ageing infrastructure, poor traffic management and limited public awareness have worsened the short-term impact. “Infrastructure renewal must be accompanied by communication and planning to prevent urban stress,” an expert on transport planning observed. Political representatives have also raised concerns over inadequate traffic coordination. A civic representative said that local residents plan to submit a formal complaint about persistent congestion and noise pollution.
The Elphinstone bridge, a relic of the colonial era, was a key link between Mumbai’s central and western rail corridors. Its removal marks progress in replacing structurally weak bridges citywide — a project accelerated after safety audits highlighted over a dozen bridges requiring urgent reconstruction. As Mumbai continues to rebuild its ageing transport infrastructure, balancing safety upgrades with the wellbeing of its citizens remains crucial. Experts say that future demolitions must be accompanied by soundproof barriers, clear signage, and alternative mobility routes to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of public health.
Mumbai Demolition Of Elphinstone Bridge Sparks Traffic Chaos And Noise Distress Across Parel
