Mumbai’s Historic Elphinstone Road Over Bridge To Be Replaced With Rs 167.35 Crore Double-Decker Structure

Mumbai’s century-old Elphinstone Road Over Bridge (ROB) in Prabhadevi is set for a major transformation with the construction of a modern double-decker structure aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity.

The ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs 167.35 crore, will be executed by the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail) on behalf of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) as per The Free Press Journal.

This new ROB, a rare engineering feat, will span both the Central and Western Railway lines, featuring a 132-metre-long railway span constructed using the Open Web Girder technique, known for its durability and strength in railway bridge design.

The structure will consist of two decks. The lower deck, designed for local traffic, will accommodate 2+2 lanes along with a footpath, ensuring seamless east-west connectivity.

Meanwhile, the upper deck, also with 2+2 lanes but without a footpath, will serve as part of the Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor, directly linking to the Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).

This integration is expected to enhance regional connectivity, easing travel between the city and the mainland.

Built during the British era in 1913, the existing bridge has played a crucial role in Mumbai’s transport network for over 125 years, facilitating movement across the railway lines.

However, with the city’s rapid urban expansion, the bridge has struggled to handle increasing traffic, leading to congestion and safety concerns.

Recognising the need for modernisation while respecting its historical significance, authorities have planned a complete overhaul to meet contemporary transportation demands.

A key challenge in the project is the dismantling of the existing ROB, which will require the use of two 800MT cranes.

“The project involves dismantling the existing ROB using two 800MT cranes, one of the most challenging aspects of the construction,” an official stated.

The demolition and construction will be carefully planned to avoid disruption to the busy suburban train services of the Western Railway (WR) and Central Railway (CR), ensuring minimal inconvenience to commuters.

Once all necessary approvals are secured, the construction is expected to be completed within a year.

This redevelopment not only promises to preserve the legacy of the old bridge but also aims to enhance Mumbai’s urban infrastructure, offering residents improved efficiency, safety, and connectivity for years to come.