BMC to Open Seven Bridges Across Mumbai to Ease Traffic Congestion

Mumbai, 8th February 2025: To improve traffic flow and facilitate smoother commutes, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to open seven newly constructed bridges across key congestion points in Mumbai and its suburban areas.

These bridges, strategically located in high-traffic zones, include:
– A bridge connecting Bandra and Dharavi over the Mithi River, linking Bandra Fire Station with the Western Express Highway (WEH).
– A railway overbridge (ROB) near Vikhroli railway station, passing over railway tracks.
– The under-construction Carnac overbridge on P D Mello Road, between Sandhurst Road and Masjid Bunder.
– A new vehicular bridge at Jai Hind Colony, Mulund.
– An extension to the Mrunaltai Gore Flyover at Goregaon.
– A new ROB connecting Shankar Lane and Irani Wadi in Kandivali (West).
– A newly constructed bridge at Charkop.

While some of these bridges are relatively shorter, they will significantly reduce congestion upon completion. The Carnac overbridge, for instance, will act as a vital east-west link, reducing traffic load on P’D Mello Road. Similarly, the Mithi River bridge is expected to decongest the Mahim Church Junction and Mahim Causeway while providing direct access to the Western Express Highway and the upcoming Coastal Road. The extended section of the Mrunaltai Gore Flyover aims to resolve lengthy traffic jams frequently witnessed during peak hours.

The combined cost of these seven bridges exceeds ₹700 crore, with the most expensive project being the Mithi River bridge, estimated at ₹220 crore, followed by the Mrunaltai Gore Flyover extension at ₹200 crore.

According to BMC’s budget report, all seven bridges are expected to be completed and operational by March 2025, with a phased opening strategy. Some projects, such as the Mrunaltai extension and Nahur ROB, have been pending since 2017-18 and are now nearing completion. The Carnac Bridge, demolished in 2022, and the Mithi River bridge, conceptualized the same year, are among the key infrastructure developments aimed at improving city traffic.

“To enhance traffic movement across Mumbai, we have developed a network of bridges, most of which will become operational this year. Rather than opening them in phases, we are prioritizing full completion of each project to provide maximum relief to commuters and prevent cost escalations,” stated Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects).