Mumbai's crucial east-west connector, the nearly century-old Tilak Bridge at Dadar, is on the cusp of a major transformation. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that the new, state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge being constructed parallel to the old structure is approximately 70% complete and is slated to become operational this year.
Phased Construction for Uninterrupted Traffic Flow
The ambitious project is being executed in two strategic phases to ensure that the vital traffic link over the railway tracks is never severed. The first phase, which includes three vehicular lanes, is targeted for completion by April 2026. This section will immediately cater to east-west traffic upon opening.
Once this new portion is fully functional, the original British-era bridge, built in 1925 and declared unfit for use in 2019, will be demolished. The construction of the second phase will then commence on the space vacated by the old bridge, with an expected timeline of 18 months. The entire project, resulting in a full-fledged six-lane bridge, is projected to be ready by 2028.
Specifications and Strategic Importance
The new Tilak Bridge is a significant upgrade in both capacity and design. Stretching 600 metres in length, the twin bridges in each phase will have a width of 16.7 metres. This modern, wider superstructure is designed to allow a larger volume of vehicles to pass at any given time, directly addressing chronic congestion points in the area.
A senior BMC officer, privy to the development, emphasized the project's critical need. "The construction is planned strategically to avoid disrupting existing traffic," the officer stated. "Once operational, it will drastically improve traffic movement. The old bridge's poor health forced us to issue safety guidelines annually, especially during Ganeshotsav when it sees heavy footfall. The new bridge is an utmost requirement."
Project Cost and Current Status
The massive infrastructure undertaking, a joint venture between the BMC and the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), carries a total project cost of Rs 375 crore. As of now, all foundational work for the new bridge has been successfully completed. The construction teams are currently focused on the advanced stages of girder launching and superstructure work, pushing steadily towards the April deadline for the first phase.
This project marks a pivotal step in modernizing Mumbai's aging urban infrastructure. The new Tilak Bridge promises not only to enhance daily commutes for thousands but also to bolster safety and accessibility for pedestrians and devotees during major festivals, securing its role as a future-ready landmark in the heart of the city.
