Mumbai is undergoing a transformative phase in its transport infrastructure, with five major bridges in South and Central Mumbai being rebuilt to replace ageing, century-old structures. The projects — spanning Byculla, Mahalaxmi, Bellasis, Elphinstone and Sion — are designed to decongest critical east–west corridors, enhance safety, and prepare the city’s road network for a climate-resilient future.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail) are jointly executing these complex rebuilds, which are slated for phased completion between 2025 and 2027. Officials describe the initiative as one of Mumbai’s most ambitious civic engineering programmes in recent years, crucial to modernising the city’s transport backbone and easing long-standing choke points. Among the key projects, the Mahalaxmi bridge — built alongside the existing structure on Keshavrao Khadye Marg — is about 50 per cent complete. Designed as a cable-stayed bridge, it allows construction with minimal disruption to the active railway below. The new link is expected to open by December 2026 and will improve traffic flow between Mahalaxmi, Tardeo and Lower Parel.
At Mumbai Central, the Bellasis bridge redevelopment is moving ahead faster than planned, with completion now expected by the end of 2025 — several months earlier than the original schedule. Meanwhile, the 103-year-old Y-shaped Byculla bridge, a vital connector for Mazgaon and the Eastern Freeway, is over 80 per cent complete. When opened by March 2026, it will feature a modern six-to-eight-lane design capable of handling significantly higher traffic volumes. The Sion bridge reconstruction, linking LBS Marg and Dr Ambedkar Road, has seen steady progress after initial delays, with a new completion target of mid-2026. Elphinstone bridge at Prabhadevi — demolished in September 2025 — is being rebuilt as a dual-deck structure. Its upper deck will integrate with the forthcoming Sewri–Worli Elevated Connector, creating seamless continuity between the western suburbs and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link.
Experts say these projects will collectively cut travel time, reduce emissions from idling vehicles, and enhance road safety through modern design standards. Wider carriageways and streamlined connections are also expected to reduce pressure on nearby local roads. Urban planners highlight that the integration of the bridges with mega corridors such as the Sewri–Worli Connector and the Eastern Freeway reflects a shift towards systemic, long-term planning — aligning with the city’s broader transition towards sustainable, low-carbon urban mobility.
By 2030, these projects are expected to deliver a more resilient, well-connected and environmentally efficient mobility network, marking a decisive step towards a cleaner, smarter and more liveable Mumbai.
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