Mumbai’s New Bellasis ROB to Be Ready by December 2025
While several infrastructure projects in Mumbai have faced extended delays, the construction of the new Bellasis Railway Over Bridge (ROB) is making impressive progress and is on track to open ahead of its originally scheduled completion date. Located between Mumbai Central and Grant Road, this cable-stayed bridge is now expected to be open for traffic by December 2025, a full five months before the contract’s final deadline of April 2026.
The original Bellasis Bridge, constructed in 1893, was deemed unsafe and unfit for use following a comprehensive audit. It was dismantled in June 2024 to make way for the new structure. The new bridge will provide enhanced connectivity between Nagpada and Tardeo, two prominent areas in Mumbai. Given the bridge’s location above active railway tracks, the decision was made to construct a cable-stayed bridge, a design that reduces the need for extensive piling work, facilitating a more efficient and streamlined construction process. Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), expressed optimism about the timely completion of the bridge, stating, “We are progressing as per the schedule and are committed to opening the Bellasis Bridge for public use ahead of time. We have already cleared 12 obstructions along the route, and the remaining abandoned buildings will be removed soon.”
He also urged for the relocation of commercial properties to designated rehabilitation sites to ensure smooth project execution. The new Bellasis ROB will span 380 meters and feature six lanes for vehicular traffic, effectively doubling the capacity of the previous three-lane bridge. The modern design will incorporate steel construction, a concrete foundation, and a 6.5-meter clearance above the railway tracks to accommodate the ongoing train operations below. The total estimated cost of the project stands at Rs 110 crore, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) allocating Rs 70 crore and the railway department contributing Rs 40 crore. The new bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the area while boosting overall connectivity for commuters in South Mumbai.
