Unlike the disruptive demolitions of the Elphinstone, Sion, Lower Parel and Gokhale bridges — which threw Mumbai’s traffic into chaos for years — the Mahalaxmi project marks the first time in South Mumbai that entirely new cable-stayed bridges are being built without tearing down the existing one. This smart approach allows the old bridge to continue handling daily traffic while new structures rise quietly alongside, avoiding the crippling snarls that plagued earlier reconstructions across the city’s central and western suburbs.
The new Mahalaxmi bridge, a crucial east-west connector now being redeveloped into a sleek cable-stayed structure. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
The new Mahalaxmi bridge, a crucial east-west connector now being redeveloped into a sleek cable-stayed structure, has already crossed the halfway mark, with civil work progressing smoothly next to the existing bridge. This bridge is being built on the southern side of the current one, while a second parallel bridge will come up on the north, connecting the Worli end to Saat Rasta via Dhobi Ghat.
The alignment of the under-construction bridge begins just beyond Haji Ali Circle, arches over the railway lines parallel to the existing bridge, and lands at Saat Rasta Junction on Anandilal P Marg near the CID office — easing one of the city’s worst choke points. According to officials, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is executing the project in phases to avoid disrupting the heavy traffic on the existing bridge. The new bridge will be around 803 metres long and 17.2 metres wide, expanding to 23.01 metres within railway limits.
The new bridge is being built on the southern side of the current one, while a second parallel bridge will come up on the north end. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar
The current structure will stay operational until the new bridge is ready. Once traffic is diverted, work to dismantle the old bridge may begin. The second bridge, connecting E. Moses Road to Dhobi Ghat Road on the north side of Mahalaxmi station, will be 639 metres long. Both will feature four-lane carriageways.
“Within railway boundaries, work will proceed in phases with necessary approvals. The construction of the bridge spans is expected to take around 200 days. We’ve set December 2026 as the completion target,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar. The new bridge is expected to streamline east–west connectivity, particularly between Jacob Circle, Saat Rasta, and Mahalaxmi railway station.
Citizen voices
Rishikesh Davda, commuter
“Crossing Mahalaxmi during peak hours has always been a nightmare. If this bridge really opens by 2026-end, it’ll save me 15-20 minutes every day.”
Shrinarayan Tiwari, taxi driver
“The jams here eat into our trips and fuel. A wider, smoother bridge will make a big difference if they finish it on time. The Sion and Elphinstone closures have already hit us hard.”
Jatin Amne, local shop owner
“The work’s been quiet, but once done, it should reduce congestion and bring more customers, without the usual chaos. A few structures had to make way, though.”
Jatin Amne, local shop owner
“The work’s been quiet, but once done, it should reduce congestion and bring more customers, without the usual chaos. A few structures had to make way, though.”
Location
Haji Ali Circle Saat Rasta Junction (Anandilal P Marg, near CID office)
Parallel to: Existing Mahalaxmi bridge
Benefits
>> Major congestion relief at Mahalaxmi choke point
>> Streamlined east-west connectivity
>> Better access to Jacob Circle, Saat Rasta, and Mahalaxmi station
>> Smoother Haji Ali-Arthur Road link
Timeline
Target completion: December 2026
Key specs
>> Length: 803 m
>> Width: 17.2 m (23.01 m within railway limits)
>> Lanes: 4
>> Additional bridge: 639 m
(E Moses Road Dhobi Ghat Road)
Execution
>> By BMC, in phases to avoid traffic disruption
>> Railway span construction: ~200 days
>> Existing bridge operational until completion
