Mumbai’s Sion Road Overbridge (ROB) closure has thrown the city’s traffic into disarray, marking its first day with severe disruptions for students, commuters, and local residents. The closure, which has effectively barred all vehicular traffic, has intensified congestion on the surrounding roads and created a perilous situation on the footpaths.
Declared dilapidated by Central Railway, the Sion ROB was initially restricted to heavy vehicles last week. From midnight on Thursday, it was completely shut to all traffic, with barricades placed on both sides of the bridge. Workers have commenced the removal of asphalt, preparing for the bridge’s demolition, anticipated to be completed within the next 4-6 months. A new ROB is projected to be operational by 2026. As the city grapples with the immediate impacts of the ROB closure, the need for effective traffic management and public communication remains critical to mitigating the disruption and ensuring public safety.
The immediate fallout has been palpable. During peak hours, roads leading to the ROB became congested with drivers unaware of the closure, resulting in incessant honking and frustrated motorists. The situation on the footpaths has been equally chaotic, with students and commuters alike navigating the narrow, barricaded paths. Many students were seen climbing the parapets to escape the crush, endangering themselves in the process. The closure has particularly affected local schools. The principal of Lion MP Bhuta Sion Saravajanik High School reported that students faced delays of 15-30 minutes, exacerbating the impact of the unit tests scheduled for the day. The ROB’s closure has also significantly disrupted the commutes of students from nearby areas, with alternative foot overbridges requiring a cumbersome 1.5-kilometre detour.
Residents and street vendors have voiced their frustrations, with reports of overcrowding on footpaths and delays in reaching destinations. Anganwadi workers have expressed concerns about safety, particularly during the monsoon season. Motorists using the ROB for daily commutes have encountered severe traffic jams on diversion routes, extending travel times significantly. In response, the Mumbai Traffic Police have urged commuters to adhere to new traffic guidelines and are working to enhance awareness through social media and radio channels. While the Central Railway officials have apologised for the inconvenience, they stress that the closure is necessary for infrastructural upgrades crucial to expanding railway services.
