Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has firmly opposed the immediate demolition of the historic Elphinstone Bridge in Parel, calling for the work to be postponed until after the festive season later this year. His statement follows growing protests by local residents, which forced authorities to suspend the demolition planned for last weekend.
The demolition, initially scheduled to begin shortly after midnight on Friday, was halted when thousands of residents from the Elphinstone Road area staged a mass protest. In response to the mounting unrest, a meeting between the affected residents and officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been scheduled for today (Monday) to chart the way forward.
Taking to social media platform X late Sunday evening, Thackeray outlined his party’s stance. He insisted that the government must not proceed with the bridge closure until key alternate infrastructure projects are completed, notably the Ganpatrao Kadam Marg and the Sion Bridge, which are crucial for easing local traffic flow. He pointed out that Sane Guruji Marg is also undergoing partial construction, compounding the traffic challenges in the area.
Additionally, Thackeray demanded that MMRDA officials provide clear assurances of in-situ redevelopment for residents of the chawls near Elphinstone Bridge before any demolition begins. He stressed that the remaining parts of the Worli-Sewri Elevated Corridor, particularly the construction of ramps and launching of girders, should be prioritised. Only after these critical East-West links become operational and residents' rehabilitation plans are finalised should the Elphinstone Bridge be dismantled, preferably once the festive season concludes.
Thackeray also underlined the need for better coordination between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the MMRDA to avoid unnecessary chaos and public inconvenience during infrastructure projects.
The Elphinstone Bridge, built during the British era, is a vital arterial link for daily commuters. Its demolition is part of the broader plan to create the Worli-Sewri Elevated Corridor over the Western and Central Railway lines to address Mumbai’s chronic traffic congestion.
However, local residents have voiced serious concerns that demolition vibrations could damage their over-a-century-old residential structures. With no clear rehabilitation or protection plan in place for Project Affected Persons (PAPs), tensions remain high, and residents continue to demand that their safety and housing concerns be addressed before any drastic steps are taken.
