Mumbai: The future of the historic Elphinstone Road Over Bridge, which is set to be demolished for the construction of the Sewri-Worli connector, will be decided after a key meeting scheduled for Monday between Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials and local residents.
The 125-year-old bridge was originally planned to be closed at midnight on Saturday to begin demolition work for the Worli-Sewri elevated road project. However, the closure was put on hold after widespread protests by residents, including those from two nearby buildings that are to be demolished for the project.
Tensions flared on Friday night when residents from 19 affected buildings gathered around 9 pm, removing barricades that had been installed to block traffic. The protesters accused authorities of lacking transparency and failing to present a clear rehabilitation plan for those who would be displaced.
Ashish Shelar Assures Help For Residents
In response, Mumbai suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar stepped in to calm the situation. He assured the protesting residents that their concerns would be taken up with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Shelar also acknowledged the risks posed to two specific buildings during the demolition process and promised to work towards a suitable solution.
On Saturday, residents met Shelar at his Bandra office, where they voiced their worries over the lack of communication and planning. Shelar reassured them that he would discuss the issue with MMRDA officials and the Chief Minister to find a resolution that addresses the grievances of those affected.
Of the 19 buildings involved, Laxmi Niwas and Haji Noorani buildings are of particular concern. Construction plans for the Sewri-Worli connector require pillars to be erected on the plots where these two buildings currently stand, putting their residents at major risk.
MLA Kalidas Kolambkar Steps In, Secures Stay On Closure
Local MLA Kalidas Kolambkar also intervened and secured a temporary stay on the bridge's closure from the Chief Minister's Office. This stay will remain in effect until Monday's meeting, during which authorities are expected to lay out a plan for the project-affected persons and seek to resolve their issues.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps for the Sewri-Worli connector project and the fate of the Elphinstone Bridge, which has stood for over a century as a vital link for the city.
