Elphinstone Bridge Mumbai’s 125-Yr-Old Bridge Likely To Be Closed On April 15

Mumbai: The anticipated closure of Mumbai’s historic Elphinstone Bridge, also known as Prabhadevi Bridge, has been delayed. Initially expected to shut on April 10, the bridge will now be closed starting April 15, 2025, according to the Mumbai Traffic Police.

Authorities confirmed that the final decision will be taken after reviewing feedback from the public, which is being accepted until April 13. The two-year closure is linked to ongoing infrastructure development under the Worli-Sewree elevated corridor and the Atal Setu project, which aims to connect to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

With the bridge out of operation, major traffic redirection is expected. Commuters traveling from Prabhadevi, Worli, Lower Parel, and Mahalaxmi will be rerouted via Dadar’s Tilak Bridge, significantly increasing the traffic burden in Dadar West.

Tilak Bridge and Currey Road Bridge will serve as the main alternate routes, though they are expected to become heavily congested, potentially extending commute times by up to 30 minutes. Key roads like Ranade Road, Gokhale Road, and NC Kelkar Marg are also likely to see intense traffic buildup.

Public transport services will be impacted as well. Buses from the Lower Parel ST Depot that previously used Elphinstone Bridge to access Dadar will now take longer alternate routes, which may reduce efficiency and increase travel times for passengers.

Built in 1913 during British rule, the 125-year-old stone bridge connects Parel and Prabhadevi. It is now set to be replaced by a modern double-decker bridge under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)’s infrastructure overhaul.

To mitigate disruptions, the traffic police have suggested alternative routes:

• From Parel TT Junction: Take Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road via Krishna Nagar Junction and Bharat Mata Junction.
  
• From Khodadad Circle to Tilak Bridge: Turn right and continue via Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road.
  
• For the Currey Road Bridge: One-way traffic from 7 AM to 3 PM, reversed from 3 PM to 8 PM; two-way permitted between 10 PM and 7 AM.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain informed and cooperative during the transition to avoid delays and minimize inconvenience.