As the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) remains undecided on whether to commence the demolition and redevelopment of Elphinstone bridge today, uncertainty continues to grip affected Parel residents. Despite earlier indications from the city’s traffic department about the bridge’s impending closure, the final decision from MMRDA is still awaited, even on the very day the department said it would close the bridge.
The Elphinstone bridge, a crucial arterial link connecting Parel and Elphinstone Road, has been marked for redevelopment due to its deteriorating structural condition. The plan to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a new, modern two-layered bridge was set in motion with a formal notification for closure issued in April. Months later, authorities have yet to initiate on-ground work due to pending rehabilitation arrangements for to-be-affected residents of Lakshmi Niwas and Haaji Noorani, two of the 19 buildings expected to be affected.
Anil Kumbhare, a senior official from the Mumbai Traffic Police, reiterated that the April notification was valid and that his department was ready to implement the closure at a moment’s notice. “All traffic diversion plans are already in place. We are also ready to put up traffic diversion boards within 24 hours once we get a green signal from the authority,” Kumbhare told mid-day. “We’ve made the necessary logistical preparations, but the ball is now in MMRDA’s court.”
The primary bottleneck appears to be the unresolved rehabilitation plan for the residents of Haaji Noorani and Lakshmi Niwas buildings, both of which are located adjacent to the bridge and would be directly impacted by the demolition work. The MMRDA is reportedly still in talks with stakeholders to finalise suitable relocation arrangements for these residents. Without a clear and confirmed plan, the agency has refrained from greenlighting the demolition, despite pressure to expedite infrastructure projects across the city.
Locals exhausted
The delay has only heightened anxiety among local residents, many of whom say they are caught between inadequate communication from authorities and the looming threat of displacement. “We don’t know what’s happening. One day, we hear the bridge will be closed, the next day, it’s postponed,” said Munaf Thakur, secretary of Haaji Noorani building. “We’ve been living with uncertainty for months now. It’s frustrating and mentally exhausting,” he added.
Other residents echoed similar concerns, accusing officials of keeping them in the dark and failing to provide clarity. Community representatives from both buildings have made repeated appeals to the MMRDA for transparency and timely action, fearing that last-minute decisions could disrupt their lives with little time to adjust.
“This is not just a bridge closure — it’s about people’s homes and livelihoods,” said Shweta Gurav, another resident of the same building. “The authorities must first ensure that residents are safely and respectfully rehabilitated before proceeding with such a major infrastructure project,” added Akshay Sutar, a resident of Lakshmi Niwas building.
Commuters’ plight
For daily commuters and motorists who rely on the Elphinstone Bridge, the uncertainty has also created confusion. Traffic advisories issued in April had outlined diversions and alternative routes to be used once the bridge was shut. However, with no clear confirmation on the closure date, many commuters are unsure whether to follow the planned diversions or wait for updated instructions.
“The back and forth is frustrating. I use this bridge every day, and I don’t know if I should change my route starting tomorrow or not. Some clarity from the authorities would really help,” said Shriram Pawar, a motorist.
While the MMRDA has maintained that the redevelopment of Elphinstone bridge remains a priority, officials have offered no statement regarding the specific start date. Internal sources within the agency suggest that negotiations with residents are at a sensitive stage and that a final decision on the bridge closure may be taken only after these discussions conclude.
