Another iconic bridge in the city, Bellasis Bridge, is expected to be closed to vehicular traffic starting Monday. This decision comes as the railways and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation plan to demolish the old, deemed dangerous structure and construct a new bridge in its place.
The construction of the new bridge by the railways is anticipated to take at least eighteen months. In the meantime, the traffic police have arranged for traffic diversions.
“The bridge is a crucial link connecting Tardeo to Nagpada with Mumbai Central Station. We have suggested alternate routes like Mumbai Central Junction to Tardeo Central Junction. There will be no parking on Patthe Bapurao Marg from Tardeo Circle to Navjevan Junction,” said traffic police officials.
Western Railway has secured a contract worth Rs 24 crore for the demolition and reconstruction of the railway section of the bridge.
A new cable-stayed steel bridge is expected to be built there, specifically designed to handle the growing traffic needs of the city.
Bellasis Bridge, which was built in 1893, has exceeded its expected lifespan and needs to be reconstructed. The stability of the city’s road overbridges, especially those constructed during the British era like Bellasis Bridge, has been a significant concern since the partial collapse of Gokhale Bridge in Andheri in 2018.
These bridges were originally designed based on traffic projections from that era and are now considered outdated.
The 130-year-old bridge situated at Mumbai Central connects Tardeo, Byculla, Nagpada, Grant Road, and surrounding areas. According to the traffic police, approximately 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles traverse this bridge daily.