Mumbai: After facing various challenges, the BMC has now set a target to open two bridges—one from Dr. E. Moses Road (Worli Naka) to Saat Rasta, and another cable-stayed bridge from Saat Rasta to Keshavrao Khadye Marg (towards Haji Ali)—for vehicular traffic by October 31, 2026.

These Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) are designed to ease traffic congestion at the Saat Rasta junction and outside Mahalaxmi Station. The cable-stayed bridge will be the first of its kind constructed by BMC over railway tracks, helping regulate traffic, especially for motorists heading toward the Coastal road from Haji Ali.

The cable-stayed bridge connecting Saat Rasta to Mahalaxmi Railway Station spans 803 meters in length with a width of 17.2 meters, while the width within the railway boundary is 23.01 meters. Meanwhile, the bridge from Dr. E. Moses Road heading north towards Worli and Dhobi Ghat has a length of 639 meters.

Planning for these bridges began in 2016, after the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay recommended reducing the load on the 1920-built Mahalaxmi ROB, which couldn't support heavy vehicles. However, the project also faced several challenges, including encroachments, and necessary adjustments in the bridge alignment to protect affected trees.

Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), along with bridge department officials, inspected the construction site on Wednesday. He instructed that the 78-meter tall pylon (large pillar) for the cable-stayed bridge should be erected within 200 days equal to approximately seven months, and construction on both sides of the bridge must proceed simultaneously.

Work within the railway boundary will be done in stages with railway permission. The span construction for the bridge will take about 250 days. Bangar directed the officials to ensure that all work is completed by October 31, 2026, with a clear schedule, overlapping tasks where possible, and to ensure continuous work during the monsoon without delays.

Bangar stated, "The bridge’s structure is affecting some houses and establishments. The concerned ward office will take the necessary actions to address this, ensuring that once the bridge is completed, the adjacent road (slip road) is made available for traffic. Furthermore, steps will be taken to ensure alternate routes remain in good condition after the traffic diversion."

The work order for the Rs 745 crore bridge project was awarded in February 2020. The new bridges are expected to save both time and fuel for commuters.