Mumbai: The reconstruction of the British-era Sion Road Overbridge (ROB) by the Central Railway (CR) has been severely delayed, with only 10% progress reported, primarily due to unresolved issues with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The bridge, shut for traffic since August 2024, is being rebuilt as part of a larger project to lay the fifth and sixth railway lines between Parel and Kurla.
Obstacles Causing Delay In Bridge's Work
CR officials highlighted that multiple obstacles have stalled the project. On the east side, four trees need to be removed and four structures on the Dharavi side must be cleared to make way for a new 3.5-metre-wide Foot Overbridge (FOB). Adding to the complications is a toilet block on the east-side footpath in the F/N ward. This structure, reportedly occupied by an individual with a metered power connection, has further hindered progress, as reported by the Times of India.
The demolition and reconstruction of the bridge also require the closure of an underpass on the Dharavi side to facilitate piling work for the abutment on the west side. Overhead cables, a large hoarding structure on the east side and electrical utilities near the Matunga-end footpath also need to be removed.
Additional work includes diverting a drainage line near the BMC quarters in Dharavi, relocating water supply lines along the footpath, and closing the road approach up to the proposed abutment. Despite repeated requests, these issues remain unresolved, further delaying the project.
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Bigger, Better Bridge To Replace Exisiting Structure
The Sion ROB is being demolished and widened to eliminate obstructions caused by its current pillars. The new bridge will have an increased span of 49 metres, up from the existing 30 metres, while its width will remain at 29 metres. CR officials estimate that demolition will take at least two more months, followed by an 18-month reconstruction period.
Addressing one of the key hurdles, Prithviraj Chavan, an officer from the F North ward, told TOI that the pay-and-use toilet on the east-side footpath would be removed within 15 days, as they were searching for alternate locations. The delays continue to frustrate CR, which has repeatedly urged the BMC to expedite these clearances to ensure timely completion of the project.
