Mumbai: Amid widespread delays affecting numerous infrastructure projects across Mumbai, the reconstruction of the cable-stayed Bellasis Railway Over Bridge (ROB) connecting Mumbai Central and Grant Road emerges as a rare success story.
The project is advancing six months ahead of schedule and is now anticipated to open for vehicular traffic by November 30, 2025. The BMC is also fast-tracking two other key projects: the Carnac Bunder Bridge is set for completion by June 10, 2025, and the Sion Bridge by May 31, 2026.
Bellasis bridge (130 years in use) : Built in 1893, the Bridge connects Nagpada to Tardeo over Mumbai Central tracks. Declared unsafe in 2018, it was closed, affecting 25,000–30,000 daily commuters. A new cable-stayed bridge is under construction, funded by Rs. 70 crore from BMC and Rs. 40 crore from Railways. However, the new design impacted 23 fishermen.
“We’ve relocated six to a nearby fish market. The rest have been asked to submit documents to prove eligibility for rehabilitation,” said a civic official. Additional Muncipal commissioner (projects) Abhijeet Bangar said, “Structures hindering the bridge construction have been removed. The remaining 12 structures will be cleared immediately, and the affected businesses will be properly relocated.”
Carnac Bunder bridge (154 years old) : The bridge connecting Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Masjid Bunder is almost complete. Eight columns are finished, and pedestal work is underway. Out of 40 steel girders, five have arrived. All girder installation will be done by May 2, with access roads ready by June 5 and concrete work in the railway section finished by May 7. The main traffic route will be completed by June 10, 2025. The bridge was initially shut down in 2014 for larger vehicles, and it was finally demolished in November 2022.
Sion Bridge : The bridge, which was in use over 110 years old, was found to be structurally unsafe. It connects the Eastern Express Highway to Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road and Dharavi Road. A bridge official said, “Relocation of BEST buses on the west side of bridge will be completed by next week. After the completion of the foot overbridge (FOB) by the Railways, it will be handed over to the BMC in June 2025. The remaining demolition work on the railway section of the bridge will follow. The Railways will provide land for the public underpass by August 2025, with construction starting after the monsoon on October 1, 2025. Two approach roads will be built on the west side and one on the east side.”
Bangar said, “The west side approach road will be completed by March 2026 and the east side by May 2026, in coordination with railway authorities.” Railway officials have confirmed that work within the railway limits will be completed by May 2026.
Carnac Bunder : Connecting CSMT – Masjid Bunder..
Original deadline: June 2024
New: May 2025
Estimated cost – Rs. 49 crores.
Length – 70 meters, width – 26.5 metre
Bellasis bridge : connecting Mumbai Central and Grant Road
Original Deadline – April 2026
New : November 30, 2025
Length : 380m, width – 22.2m
Cost Rs. 110 crores
Sion bridge – connects the Eastern Express Highway to Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road and Dharavi Road.
Deadline : May 2026
Length – increased span of 49 metres, up from the current 30 metres, width 29 metres.
Cost – Rs. 50 crores.
