The Sion bridge Mumbai reopening is expected soon, with civic officials indicating that the newly constructed structure could open to traffic in the second half of October.
The bridge replaces a 112-year-old colonial-era overpass next to Sion railway station in central Mumbai. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar told PTI that the opening date has not yet been finalised.
The new bridge has a single span of 54.5 metres and a width of 29 metres. Its pillar-free design over the railway tracks will leave space for the proposed fifth and sixth railway lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Kurla.
New Sion bridge to ease traffic congestion
The bridge is expected to improve east-west connectivity and reduce congestion across Sion, Kurla and Dharavi.
The old structure was a key connectivity link in the northern part of Mumbai’s island city. Its closure forced motorists to take alternative routes via the Dharavi bridge, BKC-Chunabhatti Link Road and Santacruz-Chembur Link Road.
These diversions contributed to traffic congestion in the surrounding areas over the past two years. Dharavi is expected to benefit significantly once the bridge reopens.
The old bridge was declared unsafe following a structural safety audit conducted by IIT Bombay in 2019. Authorities subsequently decided to dismantle and reconstruct it to facilitate the proposed additional railway lines under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project.
Central Railway, BMC complete reconstruction work
Central Railway reconstructed the main bridge section, or girder, over the railway tracks, while the BMC’s bridges department rebuilt and strengthened the approach roads.
According to the civic body, railway authorities are funding the entire project.
Central Railway completed concreting of the deck slab on the first 500-tonne steel girder on August 21 and on the second girder on August 29. Work on crash barriers and the concrete wearing coat was subsequently completed.
The western approach road, which connects Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg to Sant Rohidas Marg in Dharavi, was in its final stages, according to the BMC.
Central Railway handed over a portion of land on the eastern side to the civic body on August 25, allowing work on the eastern approach road to begin.
BMC pushes to open Sion bridge before original deadline
Earlier this month, Bangar inspected the reconstruction work and directed officials to complete the remaining tasks on priority. He set October 15 as the deadline for completing all works.
The tender schedule had envisaged completion by February 2027. However, the civic body directed officials to open the bridge ahead of that deadline.
Once operational, the reconstructed bridge will restore an important traffic link that has remained closed during the redevelopment period. Its pillar-free design will also support plans to expand railway infrastructure along the busy CSMT-Kurla corridor.
