Mumbai Traffic Relief in Sight as 5 Key Bridges Are Expected to Open by 2025
Mumbai: Five crucial bridges in Mumbai are expected to reopen by the end of 2025, offering hope to thousands of commuters navigating the city’s congested streets. However, with ongoing construction work on major roads and the upcoming closure of the Elphinstone Road overbridge, will these new bridges provide the much-needed relief to Mumbai’s traffic challenges?
One of the most significant projects is the new Reay Road bridge, connecting the Byculla East region to Mahul Road and the Eastern Freeway. The original bridge was deemed unsafe by IIT experts, leading to its demolition. The new bridge, designed with a cable-stayed structure similar to the Bandra Worli Sea Link, began construction in February 2022 and is set to be completed by February 2024. With a cost of INR 273 crore, the new bridge will feature six lanes and two ramps, and it’s expected to improve connectivity in the region. Similarly, the 160-year-old Carnac Bunder bridge, a critical link between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Masjid Bunder station, was closed in 2022 after being deemed dangerous. After its demolition, construction of the new bridge began, with the first girder launched in October 2024. Despite challenges with land acquisition and delays, the bridge is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, with an investment of INR 53 crore.
In addition to these, other key bridges like the Byculla, Gokhale, and the Elphinstone Road overbridge are undergoing renovations or replacements. The Byculla bridge, which began its cable-stayed construction in December 2021, is set to open in stages, with the first phase scheduled for completion by October 2025. The new bridge, costing INR 287 crore, will ultimately replace the existing structure, which has been a major bottleneck for traffic in the area. While the construction of these bridges is a step toward improving Mumbai’s infrastructure, many residents and commuters remain concerned about ongoing delays and traffic disruptions. With major areas like Parel and Byculla facing continued bottlenecks due to bridge closures, it remains to be seen if these new structures will truly alleviate the city’s notorious traffic woes.
