Mumbai, the iconic Elphinstone Bridge is scheduled for demolition and reconstruction starting April 10.
This closure will last for a period of two years, marking a major shift for daily commuters. To mitigate the traffic impact, the city’s traffic police have released comprehensive diversions and restrictions, aimed at directing vehicles safely while ensuring smooth movement in surrounding areas. The Elphinstone Bridge, a critical connection between Parel and other key parts of the city, has long served as a crucial artery for westbound and eastbound traffic. Its closure is expected to create significant congestion, especially during peak hours, as alternative routes are navigated.
The Mumbai Traffic Police have been proactive in planning a set of diversions, directing vehicles to alternative routes and ensuring that vital connections to popular destinations such as Dadar West, Prabhadevi, and Worli remain operational. For west-bound commuters heading towards Dadar West, the traffic police have suggested a well-laid diversion plan. Drivers are advised to turn right at the Parel TT Junction, continue along BA Road, and then take a left at Dadar TT Junction, ultimately using the Tilak Bridge to reach their destination. Motorists heading towards Prabhadevi and Worli will need to follow a slightly more complex route. This involves continuing straight on BA Road to the Krishna Nagar Junction, then proceeding via Parel Workshop, Supari Bagh Junction, and Bharat Mata Junction. From there, drivers are expected to take a right turn onto Mahadev Palav Road, crossing the Currey Road Railway Bridge and proceeding via Lower Parel Bridge.
On the east-bound front, commuters heading for Parel via the Elphinstone Bridge will need to adopt a series of diversions that will alleviate congestion and provide an alternate passage through the city. Vehicles are instructed to move straight from Elphinstone Junction, turning left at Wadacha Naka Junction, and then proceed along Lower Parel Bridge. Further diversions include turning left at Shingte Master Chowk, then continuing along Mahadev Palav Road and Currey Road Railway Bridge, ultimately reaching Bharat Mata Junction. For those looking for an alternative route, there is a simpler path from Elphinstone Junction, where commuters can take a left at Wadacha Naka Junction, proceed via Lower Parel Bridge, and continue straight from Shingte Master Chowk via NM Joshi Road. This will take drivers to Chinchpokli Junction, where they can then take a left to Sane Guruji Road. Continuing from there, commuters can cross Chinchpokli Bridge, turn left from Sant Jagnade Chowk, and proceed to their final destinations. As Mumbai braces for the effects of the two-year reconstruction period, residents and commuters are urged to familiarise themselves with the new routes and adhere to the traffic regulations. The Traffic Police have requested that any objections or concerns related to the diversions be communicated by email to the Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic, before April 13.
While the closure of the Elphinstone Bridge is a temporary setback, it is ultimately part of the city’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernise its infrastructure. The demolition and reconstruction of such a key structure are expected to alleviate long-standing traffic bottlenecks and improve safety for years to come. However, the process will require careful planning and cooperation from both the municipal authorities and the city’s motorists to minimise disruption. As the city prepares for these changes, questions surrounding the environmental and urban impact of such large-scale infrastructure projects remain at the forefront. In the coming months, city officials will need to balance the urgency of development with the necessity for sustainable urban growth, ensuring that Mumbai’s roadways continue to evolve while maintaining a focus on sustainability, green spaces, and zero carbon emissions. This closure also brings to light the pressing need for alternative infrastructure solutions to ease traffic congestion. As the city grows, maintaining the equilibrium between development and the environment remains a challenge. The Elphinstone Bridge project, while offering long-term benefits, serves as a reminder of the need for continuous urban planning and sustainable construction practices.
Mumbai Prepares for Major Traffic Shifts Due to Elphinstone Bridge Closure
