Mumbai: Mumbai’s daily commuters remain in a state of uncertainty as the Elphinstone Road Overbridge (also known as Prabhadevi Bridge), which was initially set to close on April 10, continues to remain open, even on Tuesday, April 15.
Despite official confirmation from the Mumbai Traffic Police about the scheduled closure, no action has been taken so far. Media reports had earlier claimed the bridge would instead close on April 15, but as of now, there is no confirmation from authorities regarding a final closure date.
The century-old bridge, constructed in 1913 during the British era, plays a crucial role in linking Parel and Prabhadevi. It is now set to be demolished and replaced with a modern double-decker bridge under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) infrastructure plans.
This includes integration with the Worli-Sewree elevated corridor and the Atal Setu, which will connect to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Whenever the bridge is shut down, it will remain closed for at least two years to facilitate construction work.
Elphinstone Bridge – Photo shot on April 15 | Tanmay Kandalkar
Elphinstone Bridge – Photo shot on April 15 | Tanmay Kandalkar
Authorities had stated that the final decision would be made after evaluating public suggestions and objections submitted by April 13. However, there has been no official update or confirmation, leaving both residents and commuters anxious about the disruption the closure may cause.
Dadar Residents Oppose Bridge Closure
Meanwhile, residents of Dadar and surrounding areas have voiced strong opposition to the proposed closure. They argue that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has not ensured adequate alternative arrangements before proceeding with the decision. Local citizens demand that the closure only take place once supporting infrastructure is in place, and are also calling for the relocation of Dadar’s fish and flower markets, which they believe add to the congestion.
Traffic Snarls Expected After Elphinstone Bridge Closure
Concerns are mounting that shutting the Elphinstone Bridge will result in traffic chaos across key areas such as Dadar, Lower Parel, Parel, Prabhadevi, and Mahalaxmi. The traffic that typically passes over Elphinstone Bridge will have to be diverted to other routes, primarily the Tilak Bridge and Currey Road Bridge. However, these alternative routes are already heavily burdened and are expected to face even more congestion, potentially increasing commute times by 20–30 minutes.
Public transport will not be spared either. Buses from the Lower Parel ST Depot, which used to rely on Elphinstone Bridge to reach Dadar, will now need to take longer, circuitous routes, affecting passenger convenience and transit efficiency. As the city waits for clarity, the lack of planning around the bridge’s closure continues to raise concerns among Mumbai’s residents and traffic authorities alike.
