The long-delayed demolition of the remaining section of Mumbai’s Elphinstone Bridge is expected to advance next week, with Western Railway likely to grant the final clearance required for dismantling works to begin. The decision marks a crucial step in unlocking progress on the Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor, a key east–west mobility link aimed at reducing congestion and improving sustainable connectivity across the city.
A joint team of officials from Western Railway and the state-backed Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation recently inspected the site as part of preparation for dismantling the 132-metre portion that stands above active railway tracks. The century-old structure has already been closed to traffic for several weeks, following earlier demolition of its approach roads and clearance of associated debris. However, the progress has been slowed by a protracted dispute between the two agencies over way-leave charges—fees levied for using railway land for construction or demolition activities. While Central Railway had quoted an estimated ₹10 crore for its portion of the work, Western Railway sought a significantly higher amount. Despite this difference in assessment, senior officials indicated that a formal go-ahead is expected shortly, noting that financial reconciliation can continue in parallel without obstructing the project timeline.
Demolition has already commenced on the eastern side of the bridge, which falls under Central Railway’s jurisdiction. Once Western Railway issues its approval, dismantling will proceed on the section crossing the tracks. According to officials, this phase will require 78 rail blocks of four hours each, and detailed planning is underway to minimise disruptions to suburban and long-distance train services. Final scheduling is yet to be announced. In response to concerns raised by residents living near the site, a technical team from a leading engineering institute has been appointed to monitor building safety through real-time vibration assessments. The team has recommended adjustments in the drilling process, including reduced RPM during hard-rock boring and noise-controlled removal of excavated material. These interventions are intended to ensure that construction progresses without compromising the structural safety of neighbouring properties—an essential requirement in densely populated areas that depend heavily on safe, accessible mobility infrastructure.
The Elphinstone Bridge is being dismantled to make way for the upcoming double-decker structure that forms part of the 4.5-kilometre Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor. The lower deck will support four lanes and pedestrian access, linking two major arterial roads, while the upper deck will facilitate direct movement between the Bandra–Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. The railway portion alone is estimated to cost more than ₹160 crore, while the overall project carries a budget of ₹1,286 crore and a completion target of December 2026. Urban mobility experts note that the corridor is likely to play a transformative role in encouraging smoother, safer, and more energy-efficient travel across Mumbai’s central districts. By reducing bottlenecks and improving cross-city connectivity, the project is aligned with broader goals of enhancing equitable access and accelerating the city’s shift towards integrated, low-carbon urban transport.
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