The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set a concrete deadline for a crucial infrastructure project aimed at decongesting a key Mumbai junction. The civic body plans to open the new east-west overbridge at Sion for vehicular traffic by June 1, 2026. This development promises to significantly enhance connectivity between the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (LBS Marg).
A Modern Replacement for a Century-Old Structure
The upcoming bridge is a replacement for a structure that had stood at the location since 1912. After a structural audit declared the old bridge precarious, the century-old landmark was demolished. The new construction, pegged at a cost of Rs 60 crore, is designed to meet contemporary traffic demands. It will be notably wider, featuring four lanes compared to the previous two-lane configuration. In a move to improve pedestrian safety and access, the new bridge is also likely to include a dedicated footpath, facilitating easier movement towards the Sion railway station.
Strict Timelines and Coordinated Efforts
In a recent review meeting involving civic officials, the Mumbai Traffic Police, and Railways, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar emphasized the need for inter-agency coordination to eliminate public inconvenience. He directed officials to ensure all works are completed by May 31, 2026. According to the BMC's detailed plan, work on a subway at LBS Marg is expected to finish by the end of December 2025, while work on a second underpass along the Dharavi portion should be completed by February 2026.
The project is currently in an advanced stage with girder fabrication underway at facilities in Nagpur and Ambala. The critical phase of launching these girders over the railway bridge is scheduled to commence in March 2026. Following this, work on the approach roads from Dharavi and LBS Marg is targeted for completion by April 15, 2026, allowing the eastern side of the road to be commissioned.
Anticipated Impact and Final Deadline
A senior BMC official expressed confidence in the timeline, stating, “If all timelines are adhered to, the bridge will be fully ready by May 31, 2026, and it will be opened to traffic from June 1, 2026.” The completion of this project is expected to bring substantial relief to the densely populated Sion area. The improved width and capacity will accommodate increased vehicular flow, reducing bottlenecks at a major confluence point in the city's road network. The added pedestrian pathway will also address long-standing safety concerns for commuters accessing the local railway station.
The Sion overbridge project underscores the BMC's focus on upgrading Mumbai's aging infrastructure with modern, efficient alternatives. Its successful and timely execution hinges on the continued coordination between multiple civic and transport authorities, as highlighted in the planning meetings.
