Mumbai’s Historic Elphinstone Bridge Set for Demolition, Traffic Diversions Start April 25
Mumbai’s century-old Elphinstone Bridge, a vital link between Parel and Prabhadevi, will be closed for demolition starting Friday, April 25, 2025 according to a directive from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Samadhan Pawar. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is overseeing the project, which involves replacing the aging structure with a modern double-decker flyover and constructing the Shivdi-Worli Elevated Connector. Traffic diversions will be implemented to manage the impact of the closure, expected to last two years.
The Elphinstone Bridge, a key east-west corridor, will be dismantled to make way for infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving connectivity. The new double-decker bridge will integrate with the Shivdi-Worli Elevated Connector, linking the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu). The Mumbai Traffic Police have outlined specific diversions to mitigate congestion in areas like Dadar, Lower Parel, and Prabhadevi, where significant traffic disruptions are anticipated.
Starting at 9 PM on April 25, vehicles heading from Dadar East to Dadar West and Dadar Market will be rerouted via Tilak Bridge. Those traveling from Parel East to Prabhadevi and Lower Parel will use Currey Road Bridge between 7 AM and 3 PM. For commuters moving from Parel and Byculla East toward Prabhadevi, Worli, the Coastal Road, or the Sea Link, the Chinchpokli Bridge will serve as an alternative route. The Mumbai Traffic Police shared these updates via a post on X, urging commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.
The decision follows public consultations, with the traffic police incorporating feedback received by April 13, 2025, into the final traffic management plan. The MMRDA has also arranged for two ambulances one at Parel and one at Prabhadevi to address emergencies during the construction period, ensuring access to hospitals like Tata Memorial and KEM. Additionally, a pedestrian railway bridge connecting Prabhadevi and Parel stations near One International Center will remain open for foot traffic.
The closure marks a significant step in Mumbai’s infrastructure overhaul, but commuters are bracing for challenges as alternate routes like Tilak Bridge and Currey Road Bridge face increased pressure. The project aims to enhance long-term traffic flow, despite the temporary disruptions.