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Protests Erupt as Mumbai’s Historic Elphinstone Bridge Closes Amid Demolition Plans
Protests erupted in Mumbai on Saturday as locals strongly opposed the closure of the historic Elphinstone Bridge, which connects the Prabhadevi and Parel areas. The 112-year-old bridge was officially closed to traffic from 9 PM on April 25, as part of the plan to demolish it and construct a new double-decker flyover under the Shivdi-Worli Connector project.
However, residents, many of whom have lived in the area for generations, expressed anger over the decision, accusing authorities of proceeding without addressing their concerns about rehabilitation. As police began barricading the bridge, locals gathered, raised slogans, and removed the 'Bridge Closed' board in protest. They demanded that before demolishing the bridge, the authorities should first complete the construction of a new pedestrian bridge connecting the east and west sides and resolve the issue of relocating affected families.
Residents alleged that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) tried to start the work without proper consultation. The situation at the protest site grew tense, with MMRDA officials seen making frantic calls as they struggled to answer questions from the crowd. Locals warned that if their demands were not met, they would intensify the agitation. Despite the strong opposition, the bridge closure has been enforced, and traffic authorities have issued alternative travel routes.
The demolition of the bridge will take place in stages. The MMRDA will dismantle the sections not passing over the railway tracks, while the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail or MRIDC) will handle the portion above the railway lines. While the MMRDA has already submitted its dismantling plan, MahaRail is still in the process of finalising its demolition strategy for the railway section.
The Elphinstone Bridge, rich in Mumbai’s industrial history, especially from the Girangaon (mill area) era, holds immense emotional significance for many residents.
