Mumbai Local Train Services Update: Dadar-Andheri Route To Face Disruptions For Bridge Reconstruction

The Western Railway (WR) has commenced the reconstruction of a bridge over the Mithi River between Bandra and Mahim stations. This project marks the end of one of the Indian Railways' last remaining screw-pile structures.

To facilitate the reconstruction, a nine-and-a-half-hour block will be implemented each night on January 24-25 and January 25-26. During this time, all local train services between Dadar and Andheri stations will remain suspended.

Photo Credit: PTI

According to The Times of India, the bridge, officially known as Bridge No. 20, was constructed in 1888 using cast iron screw piles that have supported railway tracks for over 135 years. Following a major rail accident on a similar screw-pile bridge in Kerala in 2001, the Railway Board decided to prioritise the replacement of these structures with safer, modern designs. The Mithi bridge will soon be replaced with a reinforced cement concrete foundation to ensure uninterrupted rail operations.

The bridge spans the Mithi River, supporting four railway lines-two slow and two fast-connecting Churchgate and Virar stations. During the first block, only the slow lines will be affected, while the second block will impact all four lines.

The historic structure is supported by eight cast iron pillars weighing eight to 10 tonnes each, with a diameter of approximately 600 millimetres and a thickness of 50 millimetres. These pillars extend 15-20 metres into the riverbed. Despite reinforcements over the years, the pillars have weakened, posing safety risks. A WR engineer stated that the screw piles would be dismantled and replaced as part of the reconstruction.

The bridge spans around 50-60 metres and is supported by seven cement girders. As part of the work, cofferdams have been installed on both sides of the river to block water flow, and high-power pumps are being used to remove accumulated water.

This reconstruction project not only ensures enhanced safety but also represents a significant step towards modernising railway infrastructure.