Changing City: 125-yr-old Elphinstone ROB likely to be closed this month for demolition, to pave way for Sewri-Worli Connector project works

A new double-decker bridge, a vital element for the upcoming Sewri-Worli Connector that is a component of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link’s traffic dispersal system, will come up in place of Elphinstone Road Over Bridge.

The new bridge is expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity between the east and west coasts of Mumbai.

The mega construction work will halt the traffic in the route for at least two years as Mumbai traffic police is likely to issue a no-objection to Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to close the traffic, authorities said.

They have said the two-year closure will lead to alternate routes and traffic diversions.

Key features of the project:

• Double-Decker Design: This ROB will simultaneously cross both the Central Railway and Western Railway Lines, a rare and complex engineering feat.

• Total Length (Railway Span): 132 meters, ensuring seamless movement over railway tracks.

• Lane Configuration:

– Lower Deck: 2+2 lanes with a footpath, maintaining east-west connectivity for local traffic.

– Upper Deck: 2+2 lanes (without footpath) for Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor which provides a direct link to the Atal Setu i.e. Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) for improved regional connectivity.

– • Superstructure Type: Open Web Girder, a robust and durable design suited for railway bridge construction.

• Estimated Cost: Rs 167.35 crore.

Current status:

– MMRDA applied for a traffic block.

– Mumbai Traffic police to issue No Objection Certificate (NOC) soon.

Timeline:

After all necessary approvals, the ROB is expected to be completed in approximately 1 year.

Administration speaks:

Dismantling of the existing ROB is a major engineering challenge, as the work involves demolishing the existing ROB using two 800MT cranes, said an officer with the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail). This task will be executed without disrupting the suburban train services of both the Western Railway (WR) and Central Railway (CR), as the work will take place over running railway tracks. Proper planning and execution are essential to ensure commuter safety and minimal operational disruptions, the officer said.