MUMBAI: The imminent closure of Mumbai’s iconic 112-year-old Sion Road Over Bridge (ROB) on July 1 is set to significantly impact the city’s transportation network, particularly affecting nearly 2 lakh commuters who rely on 23 BEST bus routes. This decision comes as part of preparations for the construction of the sixth railway line between Kurla and Dadar, aimed at segregating local and long-distance train tracks.
According to officials from the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), buses operating along these 23 routes previously used the Sion ROB as a crucial link. With its closure, these routes will now be rerouted via Sulochana Sethi Marg, Dharavi T-junction, Rani Laxmibai Chowk, and Kalanagar.
The Sion ROB has long served as a vital connector between Dharavi, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, and the Eastern Express Highway, facilitating smooth transit for numerous commuters and vehicles daily. The affected routes span across various parts of the city, including Navy Nagar, Antop Hill, Pratiksha Nagar, Trombay, Santacruz, Bandra, Dindoshi, Juhu, Marol, Vikhroli, and Shivaji Nagar.
Officials estimate that these diversions will add an average of 15-20 minutes to travel times on each affected route, with potential delays extending up to 90 minutes during peak traffic hours. Some routes may need to be curtailed or undergo changes in their final destinations to accommodate the new traffic patterns.
Residents and regular commuters have expressed concerns over the additional delays caused by the route diversions. A resident from Sion remarked, “BEST buses are already facing delays, and these diversions will only exacerbate the inconvenience. There’s a pressing need for more buses to be deployed to mitigate the impact.”
As Mumbai prepares to navigate these transit challenges, city authorities and BEST officials are working to minimize disruptions while ensuring alternative routes are optimized for efficiency. The closure of the Sion ROB marks a pivotal moment in Mumbai’s urban infrastructure development, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the city’s transportation network amidst growing commuter demands.
The forthcoming changes underscore the necessity for proactive planning and community engagement in managing urban infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of sustainable transport solutions in India’s bustling financial capital.
