New two-lane bridges to be built on both sides: AMC to restore and expand Subhash Bridge

On Friday, while addressing a press briefing, Pani said considering the rising city traffic and future demand, the plan expanded beyond restoration to include new bridges on both sides.

“Taking into account the increasing traffic demand in the city, AMC has decided not to limit the project to restoration alone, but to also construct additional new bridges on both sides of the existing bridge. It will be an iconic bridge. The total estimated cost of the entire project is Rs 250 crore of which the restoration work is Rs 110 crore, and it will be executed under the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model. The tender for which will be out on Monday,” Pani said.

The project has been designed keeping in mind the structural safety of the existing bridge, future traffic demand, and long-term usability, and will be implemented in two phases.

Phase 1: Restoration of the existing bridge

As Pani had told The Indian Express, the damage was to the superstructures and not to the pillars. Thus, in the first phase, the existing superstructure of the bridge will be completely removed and replaced with a new superstructure based on 38-metre spans using steel composite girders. The existing piers will be restored and strengthened through micro-concrete jacketing to provide adequate support for the new structure.

Phase 2: Construction of new two-lane bridges on both sides

In the second phase, new 2-lane bridges will be constructed on both sides of the existing bridge at the same level. This will involve complete new construction, from foundation to superstructure.

For both phases, a single combined tender will be invited under the EPC mode. Accordingly, the basic estimated cost of the EPC tender has been fixed at approximately Rs 250 crore. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion between the northern and central parts of the city and provide infrastructure capable of meeting future traffic requirements.

While the restoration work is expected to take nine months, this will be followed by construction of the two bridges.

Subhash Bridge is a vital link connecting the Ranip and Shahibaug areas. Constructed in 1973, the bridge had been functioning without major issues for the past 52 years. However, on December 4, 2025, cracks were observed in the bridge deck along with settlement in the superstructure. In the interest of public safety, a decision was taken to close the bridge to traffic.

Following the damage, detailed inspections were carried out by empanelled consultants as well as experts from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat. Based on their assessment, it was concluded that the existing bridge superstructure needs to be dismantled.

The municipal commissioner said that based on the recommendations of the committee of experts constituted after December 4, it was decided that the superstructure can be strengthened and restored and two lanes on each side will be added to increase the capacity. The two-lane bridge construction is expected to take two years.