Elphinstone Bridge Demolition Delayed as Railways and MRIDC Remain Deadlocked
Four months after the historic Elphinstone Bridge was shut to traffic, authorities are still struggling to finalise the demolition of its most critical section. The delay is now causing frustration among commuters and raising concerns about the timeline of one of Mumbai’s key infrastructure projects.
The Indian Railways and the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) have yet to agree on the dates and duration of a crucial megablock required to demolish the remaining portion of the bridge that passes over active railway tracks.
Why the Elphinstone Bridge Was Closed
A 112-Year-Old Bridge Makes Way for a New Corridor
The Elphinstone Bridge, which connected Parel and Prabhadevi in central Mumbai, was closed to vehicular traffic on September 12, 2025. Built during the British era, the bridge had become structurally weak and inadequate for modern traffic demands.
Its demolition is necessary to make way for the Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor, a major east-west connector being built to ease congestion across Mumbai. The corridor is being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, while MRIDC is responsible for demolishing and rebuilding the bridge section that crosses the railway lines.
What Work Has Been Completed So Far
Approach Roads Already Removed
Since the closure, MRIDC has been dismantling the bridge in stages. Over the past six months, the approach roads and ramps on both ends of the bridge have been demolished. Footpaths were broken up, and paver blocks removed.
Engineers have also cleared asphalt and steel layers from the central section. At present, only a 132-metre stretch of the bridge remains standing, suspended directly above the railway tracks. This is the most sensitive and challenging portion of the demolition.
Why the Remaining Demolition Is Stuck
Disagreement Over Megablock Duration
The remaining portion of the bridge can only be demolished during a megablock, a complete shutdown of train services on the affected tracks for an extended period.
According to officials, MRIDC has requested a continuous 14-hour megablock to carry out the demolition in one go. However, Central Railway authorities are reluctant to approve such a long block due to the massive disruption it would cause to passenger services.
Railway officials have suggested either reducing the duration or carrying out the work in phases, but no final agreement has been reached.
How the Delay Affects Train Services
Hundreds of Trains Could Be Cancelled
A 14-hour megablock would have a severe impact on Mumbai’s already crowded suburban rail network. Officials estimate that such a block would require the cancellation of 300 to 400 suburban trains.
In addition, around 20 to 25 long-distance trains would also be affected. Several south-bound trains may need to be short-terminated at Dadar or even earlier stations, leading to delays and inconvenience for thousands of passengers.
Given Mumbai’s heavy dependence on local trains, railway authorities are being extremely cautious before approving the block.
Missed Opportunity During Long Weekend
Ideal Window Slips Away
The long weekend between January 24 and January 26 was initially considered the most suitable time to carry out the demolition. With one public holiday falling during this period, authorities hoped to minimise the impact on daily commuters.
However, the plan fell through due to the unresolved disagreement over block duration. Officials now say there is no similar long weekend available in the near future, as upcoming public holidays fall on weekdays.
As a result, the megablock is now likely to be scheduled over a regular Saturday-Sunday weekend, when passenger traffic is still high.
Railways Say Proposal Still Under Review
File Stuck at Headquarters
According to Central Railway officials, the proposal submitted by MRIDC is still being examined at the headquarters level.
Officials said the railway administration is carefully assessing the impact of such a long block and exploring alternatives that would allow demolition to proceed without paralysing the suburban network.
Until a final decision is taken, the demolition remains on hold.
MRIDC Confirms Night Blocks Are Ongoing
But No Clarity on Major Demolition
MRIDC officials have stated that routine night blocks are already being conducted on both Central and Western Railway lines. These are short-duration blocks that allow for minor work but are not sufficient to demolish the remaining bridge structure.
While MRIDC has acknowledged the need for coordination with the railways, it has not provided a clear explanation for the delay in finalising the megablock.
Why This Demolition Is Critical
Elevated Corridor Timeline at Risk
The demolition of the Elphinstone Bridge is a key milestone in the Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor project. Without removing the bridge section over the railway tracks, construction of the corridor cannot move forward as planned.
The official deadline for completing the elevated corridor is December 2026. However, the project is already facing delays due to administrative hurdles and coordination issues.
The ₹167-crore project has previously been stalled due to disputes between MRIDC and Western Railway over way-leave charges, which are fees paid for using railway land.
Commuters Continue to Bear the Brunt
Traffic Congestion Persists
Since the bridge was shut, traffic congestion in Parel and Prabhadevi has worsened. Motorists are forced to take longer detours, increasing travel time and pressure on surrounding roads.
Local residents and daily commuters are growing impatient, questioning why a bridge closed months ago is still partially standing.
What Happens Next
Decision Expected but Timeline Unclear
Officials say discussions between MRIDC and the railways are ongoing, and a decision on the megablock is expected eventually. However, no firm timeline has been shared.
Once the megablock is approved, the remaining portion of the bridge can be demolished in a single operation or in carefully planned phases.
Until then, the last standing section of the 112-year-old bridge will continue to loom over one of Mumbai’s busiest railway corridors.
A Project Stuck Between Planning and Execution
The delay in demolishing the Elphinstone Bridge highlights the challenges of executing large infrastructure projects in a city as densely packed as Mumbai. While safety and passenger convenience are valid concerns, prolonged indecision risks derailing project timelines and public trust.
As commuters wait and traffic woes continue, all eyes are now on the railways and MRIDC to resolve their differences and move the project forward before delays spiral further.
