The Elphinstone Bridge will not be closed or demolished till the rehabilitation plans are fixed in writing by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, sources said on Thursday.
The decision was taken during a meeting with the locals, Mumbai Police and civic officials.
Mumbai Police officials on Thursday met a group of resident representatives and the civic officials to discuss the Elphinstone Bridge closure, a day after the long-running tussle between residents and civic authorities over the fate of the the bridge flared up.
The meeting was called after the locals on Wednesday night protested against the plan to close the British-era bridge.
Road diversion boards were suddenly installed near the bridge, signalling that demolition and traffic management plans were being pushed ahead.
The installation of boards reportedly ignited protests and fresh anxiety among locals.
In April this year, when the MMRDA and the traffic department first announced the closure of the Bridge, the locals had strongly opposed the move and even sent back demolition machinery. Following the protest, CM Devendra Fadnavis verbally assured locals that the Bridge would not be closed and demolition work would not begin until the rehabilitation of residents from 19 affected buildings was finalised.
Following the strong objections against the closure of the Bridge on Wednesday, the Bhoiwada police in central Mumbai had called the MMRDA and traffic officials for a meeting.
The police officials had earlier said that they would ask why the diversion boards were installed before any decision on rehabilitation. Following strong protests, the diversion boards were eventually pulled down, sources said.
The Elphinstone Bridge, a crucial arterial link connecting Parel and Elphinstone Road, has been marked for redevelopment due to its deteriorating structural condition.
