Changing City: New 6-lane bridge in place of Mumbai’s century-old Tilak Bridge set for opening in April
The new Tilak Bridge, which is 70% complete, will be wider than the old structure and will allow a larger number of vehicles to pass at any given time at Mumbai's Dadar.
The new Tilak Bridge at Mumbai’s Dadar, one of the key infrastructure projects of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is set to become operational this year, with its progress nearing the 70 per cent mark.
Background of the project
Originally built in 1925, the British-era Tilak Bridge serves as a primary east-west connector that spans above the railway tracks in Dadar. Civic authorities declared the bridge unfit for use in 2019, prompting the BMC to propose the construction of a new cable-stayed bridge. The new structure is being built parallel to the old Tilak Bridge, which will remain intact until the new bridge is completed to ensure that traffic flow is not disrupted. Once the new bridge opens for motorists, the old structure will be demolished.
Current status and deadline
The bridge is being constructed in two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed by April 2026, and the current progress is approximately 70 per cent. This phase will include three vehicular lanes and will cater to both east-west traffic. Once this portion is completed, the old bridge will be demolished, and the second phase will be constructed over the next 18 months. The overall structure comprising six vehicular lanes will be ready by 2028. Currently, all the foundation work of the bridge has been completed, while the girder launching and superstructure work are in progress.
The new bridge will be 600 metres long and will comprise six vehicular lanes. The twin bridges are being constructed in two phases, with each part having a width of 16.7 metres. The new superstructure will be wider than the old structure and will allow a larger number of vehicles to pass at any given time.
Cost
BMC and Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) are constructing the bridge. The total cost of the project has been pegged at Rs 375 crore.
Administration speaks
“The construction of the new bridge is being planned and executed strategically so that the existing traffic movement is not disrupted. Once the bridge becomes operational, it will improve traffic movement and enhance the appeal of this place. During Ganeshotsav, this bridge is also frequented by devotees and pedestrians, and considering the poor health of this bridge, we issue safety guidelines every year. Therefore, the new bridge is of utmost requirement,” said a senior officer privy to the development.
Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai.
Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in:
Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting.
City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region.
Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis:
National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019.
State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019.
Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis.
Experience
Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies:
Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014).
Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express.
Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More
