New Sion Railway Overbridge in Mumbai to Become Operational by July 2026
The newly constructed Sion Bridge in Mumbai is poised to become fully operational by July 2026, marking a significant upgrade in urban infrastructure. This project aims to provide a superior connection between the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, addressing long-standing traffic and accessibility issues in one of the city's most densely populated areas.
Why a New Bridge Was Necessary
Sion is a heavily populated central Mumbai locality, home to the congested Dharavi slums. Previously, a British-era Railway Over Bridge (ROB) facilitated east-west connectivity, but a structural audit in 2019 exposed its precarious condition. In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated a proposal to demolish the old structure and construct a modern replacement to ensure safety and efficiency.
Timeline of Construction and Challenges
Demolition work began in August 2024 after the bridge was shut down, but progress was delayed until April of the following year due to the removal of obstacles such as toilet blocks and a BEST electricity room. Once these structures were relocated, construction accelerated at full speed. Civic officials have confirmed that the new bridge is on track for completion by July 2026, with the underpass expected to open by February 2027.
Enhanced Features of the New Bridge
The new Sion Bridge boasts several improvements over its predecessor:
- Increased Length: Extending to 61 metres, compared to the previous 40-metre structure, to better accommodate traffic flow.
- Wider Carriageways: Featuring four lanes instead of two, designed to handle higher vehicular density and reduce congestion.
- Dedicated Footpath: Providing direct access for pedestrians to and from Sion station, enhancing safety and convenience.
- Underpass: Included to facilitate smoother traffic and pedestrian movement, further improving connectivity in the area.
Construction Cost and Collaboration
The project has been estimated at Rs 60 crore and is a joint venture between the BMC and Central Railway, highlighting a collaborative effort to upgrade Mumbai's critical infrastructure.
Official Statement on Progress
Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), stated, "Initially, work progress was slow, but machinery remained deployed. After removing blockages, the pace has picked up significantly. We aim to escalate efforts post-monsoon, ensuring the bridge opens for vehicular movement by July 2026 and the underpass by February 2027." This underscores the commitment to timely completion despite early setbacks.
This development is part of broader efforts to enhance Mumbai's urban landscape, addressing the needs of its growing population and improving daily commutes for residents and visitors alike.
