Sion Bridge Closure: The 3-Hour Commute That’s Gripping Mumbai

Commuters in Sion are facing severe traffic congestion due to the ongoing demolition of the Sion railway bridge. The closure, which began on August 1, has drastically affected travel times and caused significant disruptions across the city.

The Sion railway bridge demolition has led to a complete traffic overhaul in the area. Vehicles are now being diverted through Dharavi and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), resulting in extended travel times and increased traffic pressure on alternate routes. Residents of Sion, Matunga, Kurla, Andheri, and BKC are particularly affected, with some commuters spending up to three hours in traffic daily.

Traffic Disruptions

Traffic from Sion Railway Station to Kalanagar Junction is now rerouted from Sion Hospital to Dharavi. This diversion has led to major delays, especially for vehicles coming from the BKC connector and MTNL junction, which are now congested throughout the Bandra-Kurla Complex.

To mitigate the impact, changes have been implemented in the BKC transport system. Bus routes have been altered, requiring drivers to take a detour at Platina Junction instead of NSE Junction, Bharatnagar Junction, NABARD Junction, and Diamond Junction. This detour is causing additional travel time and frustration for commuters.

The narrow roads in Dharavi are also experiencing heightened congestion due to the increased traffic. The closure of the Sion bridge has further exacerbated the situation, with travel times from T Junction to Sion Hospital extending to approximately 30 minutes.

Planned Protest

In response to the traffic chaos, a 'Rasta Roko' protest is scheduled for tomorrow. MP Varsha Gaikwad and MP Anil Desai will lead the protest at Sagar Hotel in Sion West at 10:30 am. Organised by Mahavikas Aghadi and the Dharavi Rescue Movement, the protest aims to demand the immediate construction of a new Sion bridge and an alternative bridge for school students.

Long Queues

Traffic congestion is also affecting the LBS Road, with vehicles queuing up to the Kurla Depot and beyond. Potholes, signal delays, and roadworks are contributing to the slowdown, causing queues that extend from BKC MTNL to Kurla Court and SCLR.

In addition to the traffic issues, the lack of accessible public toilets in Sion, Kurla, Dharavi, and Bandra is exacerbating commuter difficulties. The few available toilets are often in poor condition, making them unreliable for those in need.

Extended Travel Times

The three-hour journey on BEST buses from LBS via Dharavi to T-Junction and Sion Hospital now takes around four-and-a-half hours, adding an additional hour and a half to the commute. The congestion at Bharatnagar Junction and other key points is particularly severe, with traffic from BKC contributing to the overall delay.

Since the Sion railway bridge's closure, travel times from Sion to Sakinaka in Andheri East have increased dramatically. Local residents and employees of Sion Hospital are expressing frustration over the extended travel times and the resulting difficulties faced by commuters.

The demolition of the Sion railway bridge is expected to continue for the next three years, with the construction of a new bridge planned thereafter. In the interim, the city is grappling with severe traffic disruptions and extended travel times as commuters navigate the altered routes.