Mumbai’s Sion Bridge Delayed Again: Central Railway Lists 4 Major Roadblocks—Check Details Inside

For the past seven months, a key road in Central Mumbai has remained closed due to the partial demolition of the British-era Sion Road Over Bridge (ROB). The bridge is set to be rebuilt, but the work has been delayed due to multiple factors.

According to Central Railway (CR), four main reasons have contributed to the delay: the presence of five trees, a toilet block, power cables, and a building reportedly leased by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). CR officials have stated that if the BMC clears and hands over the building, it will help speed up the demolition and reconstruction process.

The five trees, located near the barricaded portion of the ROB, stand along the pathway leading to Sion railway station. Meanwhile, the reconstruction has also been slowed down by a toilet block on the west side of the station. The block remains operational but is surrounded by barricades.

A member of the NGO that has managed the toilet block for 15 years argued that their facility was unfairly blamed for the delay. He stated that the railway's demolition work had been progressing very slowly and that they had already requested a relocation site.

CR officials have said that discussions with the BMC regarding the relocation of the toilet block are underway. They expect to dismantle the structure in the next two to three days. The official added that the presence of the toilet block had made it difficult to move in heavy machinery and equipment for the construction work. The five trees are also expected to be removed soon.

Another issue is a plot of land adjacent to the ROB, allegedly leased by the BMC, where some families reside. This land needs to be cleared before an alternative 3.5-metre-wide pedestrian Foot Over Bridge (FOB) can be built. The new FOB is necessary to facilitate the demolition of the remaining portion of the ROB, which is currently used by many pedestrians. Additionally, piling work is ongoing at a public underpass below the bridge ramp.

The relocation of electric cables, distribution panels, and other electrical infrastructure has also caused delays. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking is currently working on shifting the cables, a process expected to take seven to ten days. A drainage line and water supply pipes along the footpath also need to be relocated.

Due to the closure of the ROB, there has been heavy traffic congestion on roads leading to Bandra-Kurla Complex, Dharavi, Sion, and Kurla. The project is being carried out in two phases: first, demolishing the old British-era bridge, and second, constructing a new bridge with iron girders. The bridge was closed in August last year to facilitate the laying of the fifth and sixth railway lines between Kurla and Parel.

The demolition process is expected to take another two months, while the construction of the new bridge will take an estimated 18 months. The new bridge will have an increased span of 49 metres, up from the existing 30 metres, while the width will remain at 29 metres.