Mumbai’s urban mobility network is set for a major boost as the new Belasis Bridge, linking Nagpada and Tardeo, is on track to open by 31 December 2025 four months earlier than its original April 2026 deadline.The accelerated schedule, officials say, reflects a coordinated push between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Western Railway to fast-track a vital transport link in the city’s south.The project replaces the 130-year-old British-era Belasis Bridge, which had been declared structurally unsafe following a detailed audit in 2018.
Demolition of the old bridge was completed in June 2024, making way for a modern cable-stayed steel structure. Designed with six vehicular lanes double the previous three the new bridge will improve east–west connectivity and ease traffic congestion in one of Mumbai’s most densely populated zones.With Mumbai’s traffic volumes increasing annually, infrastructure upgrades such as this are critical. Officials from the project team confirmed that the bridge’s design incorporates advanced load-bearing technology and weather-resistant materials to ensure a long service life while minimising maintenance needs. The structure is also designed to align with the city’s long-term vision for sustainable, low-carbon transportation networks.Financially, the ₹110-crore project represents a multi-agency collaboration. The BMC has contributed ₹70 crore, while Western Railway has funded ₹40 crore. The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have also provided technical and logistical support. Western Railway has managed works within its jurisdiction, including the installation of 12 main girders by 10 August this year, marking a key milestone.
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The BMC, meanwhile, has cleared all obstructing structures, completed soil testing, foundation works, and pier construction for approach roads. Project managers credit efficient coordination and early procurement of steel components for keeping the timeline ahead of schedule.Urban planners note that timely execution of such projects can significantly improve public confidence in infrastructure development, especially in a city where delays are common. This bridge is expected to become a key connector in the city’s growing transport grid, supporting reduced travel times, lower vehicular idling, and therefore contributing to reduced carbon emissions.The Belasis Bridge reconstruction is part of a broader effort to modernise Mumbai’s ageing transport infrastructure with an emphasis on safety, capacity, and sustainability. For commuters in south Mumbai, the opening will not only restore a vital link but also symbolise a rare instance of public infrastructure being delivered ahead of time an encouraging sign for the city’s future mobility projects.
