The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to begin work on the Elphinstone Road Over Bridge (ROB) as part of the ongoing Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project. The demolition and reconstruction efforts are expected to commence in the second week of April, marking a major milestone in the project’s timeline.With safety protocols and technical preparations in place, the MMRDA is in the final stages of securing clearance from the Mumbai Traffic Police, which is anticipated to come through before April 10. The demolition of the century-old ROB at Prabhadevi, a critical part of the project, must be completed ahead of the monsoon season to avoid delays. The work on the Elphinstone ROB is expected to begin by April 10, signalling the beginning of a transformative phase for Mumbai’s infrastructure.
The Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, a 4.5 km long, four-lane elevated corridor, is a crucial infrastructure project designed to improve traffic flow and connectivity between the eastern and western parts of Mumbai. It will provide a dedicated route connecting the Atal Setu to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, significantly reducing travel time for commuters travelling between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
One of the key features of the project is the replacement of the over 100-year-old Prabhadevi ROB, which is currently only 13 meters wide and carries just 1.5 lanes in each direction. This structure will be replaced with a modern double-decker bridge, designed to accommodate current traffic volumes and future demand. The new bridge will offer greater capacity and efficiency, addressing the growing traffic congestion in the area.
The project includes the construction of two new ROB one at Sewri, crossing the Harbour Line, and the other at Prabhadevi, crossing both the Central and Western Railway lines. These additions are designed to enhance traffic dispersal and improve access to key areas in Mumbai. Once completed, the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector will provide seamless, signal-free access to central Mumbai, offering commuters an alternative route that bypasses the traffic bottlenecks often encountered on the existing roadways.
According to MMRDA officials, about 60% of the project work has already been completed, with the rest of the construction set to progress rapidly in the coming months. The project is expected to be a game-changer for Mumbai’s traffic management, especially for commuters from Navi Mumbai, who currently face long travel times to the city centre.
The introduction of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector is part of a broader vision to modernise Mumbai’s transport infrastructure and ease congestion in the city. In recent years, Mumbai has faced growing traffic challenges due to rapid urbanisation, increasing vehicle numbers, and limited road space. Projects like the Sewri-Worli Connector are designed not only to improve connectivity but also to alleviate the strain on Mumbai’s overburdened road networks.With the monsoon season fast approaching, the MMRDA is keen to begin the work as soon as possible, ensuring that the project remains on track for completion. The ambitious project aims to be a catalyst for broader infrastructural development across Mumbai, transforming the way residents move through the city.
In line with the city’s commitment to sustainable urban development, the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project is expected to contribute to a greener, more efficient transportation system. By providing an eco-friendly alternative to existing traffic routes, the elevated corridor will reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve the quality of life for commuters.
As the MMRDA begins its final preparations for the demolition and reconstruction of the Elphinstone ROB, the Sewri-Worli Connector project stands poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping Mumbai’s traffic landscape. With work set to begin in earnest by mid-April, the city’s residents can look forward to a more streamlined, accessible, and sustainable transport network in the near future.
