Mumbai's Iconic Sion Bridge Set To Close After 112 Years; Major Traffic Disruptions Expected

The iconic 112-year-old Sion Road Bridge in Mumbai is set to be demolished soon to make way for the proposed 5th and 6th rail lines connecting Kurla to Parel. The demolition process is scheduled to begin next week.

Constructed in 1912, the Sion Road Bridge has served as a crucial link connecting Dharavi, LBS Road, and the Eastern Express Highway.

The closure of the Sion Road Over Bridge (ROB) is expected to impact east-west traffic flow, leading to congestion on alternative routes such as the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road. Motorists will need to reroute via Kurla, connecting the Eastern Expressway and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg.

The dismantling process is estimated to take around three months. Reconstruction work is expected to follow, lasting approximately two years, with an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore for both the railway and BMC portions.

An official stated, "The decision to reconstruct the Sion Road Bridge is part of ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the rail network in the bustling metropolis. This transformation is necessary to meet the increasing demands of contemporary rail infrastructure, ensuring efficiency, safety, and improved connectivity for commuters."

The new bridge will feature a single span of approximately 51 meters, accommodating six tracks, a significant upgrade from the existing structure designed to support only four lines.

Explaining the need for the reconstruction, a Central Railway official said, "For the additional two lines (5th and 6th line), we need at least 15 meters more space. Hence, we decided to reconstruct the bridge with a 51-meter single span." This innovative design not only increases capacity but also raises the bridge's height by over 30 centimeters, providing protection against flooding during the monsoon season.

With necessary clearances from the traffic police obtained, the railway authorities are set to begin the reconstruction process after the conclusion of the Mahim fair. The project is a joint effort between the railway and the BMC, with each entity responsible for their respective areas of work. Railway will handle the railway area (above the railway track), while BMC will construct the approach road.

Details:

• Cost of reconstruction: Rs 50 crore (including BMC and Railway)
• Dismantling process duration: Three months
• Reconstruction completion timeline: Approximately 24 months
• Basic barricading work has already commenced
• Traffic diversions have been put in place, with signboards indicating the same.