The Elphinstone Road Over Bridge (ROB) in Prabhadevi is a significant infrastructure project designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance urban connectivity in Mumbai. With an estimated cost of Rs 167.35 crore, this double-decker ROB will span both the Central and Western Railway lines—a rare and complex engineering feat.
The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail) has been entrusted by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to execute the construction of this double-decker ROB.
The double-decker bridge will have a railway span of 132 meters, ensuring seamless movement over the railway tracks. The bridge will utilize an Open Web Girder structure, a robust and durable design well-suited for railway bridge construction.
Lower deck will feature 2+2 lanes with a footpath, maintaining east-west connectivity for local traffic.
Similarly upper deck will also feature 2+2 lanes (without a footpath), this deck will serve the Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor, providing a direct link to the Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), thereby improving regional connectivity.
According to officials, following all necessary approvals, the ROB is expected to be completed in approximately one year.
Built during the British era, the Elphinstone Road Over Bridge has been a pivotal component of Mumbai’s transportation network for over 125 years. Constructed in 1913, it facilitated movement across the Western and Central Railway lines, serving as a crucial east-west connector for thousands of vehicles and pedestrians daily. Originally designed for a much smaller population, the bridge has struggled to keep pace with Mumbai’s exponential urban growth, leading to severe congestion and safety concerns.
Recognizing both the historical significance and the pressing need for modernization, authorities have initiated plans to replace the aging structure with a new double-decker ROB. This redevelopment aims to preserve the legacy of the original bridge while addressing current and future transportation challenges, ensuring enhanced connectivity, efficiency, and safety for Mumbai’s residents.
Regarding the construction challenges, an official stated that the project involves dismantling the existing ROB using two 800MT cranes, one of the most challenging aspects of the construction. This task will be executed without disrupting the suburban train services of both the Western Railway (WR) and Central Railway (CR), as the work will take place over running railway tracks. Proper planning and execution are essential to ensure commuter safety and minimal operational disruptions.
