Mumbai: Sion ROB Opening Delayed Again; BMC Seeks 45 More Days, New Deadline Set For End Of September

The reopening of the Sion Road Over Bridge (ROB) in Mumbai has been pushed back once more, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) requesting an additional 45 days to finish the remaining construction works. Initially expected to reopen by August 15, the bridge is now projected to be ready by the end of September. This marks a significant delay in the reconstruction project that began over a year ago.

A crucial milestone was reached when the second 500-tonne semi-through steel girder was successfully launched over the operational railway corridor. The installation of both massive girders was accomplished within two three-hour night blocks between Matunga and Kurla, ensuring minimal disruption to suburban train services. The Central Railway reported that the completion of this stage was a major step towards finalizing the project.

While the installation of the steel girders is a significant achievement, motorists will have to endure further delays. The remaining civil works, including the construction of approach roads and other infrastructure, are yet to be completed by the BMC. Consequently, the earlier deadline of August 15 has been pushed back by nearly one-and-a-half months.

The Sion Bridge, a century-old structure, has been closed since August 2024, causing considerable inconvenience to motorists and commuters. The closure has forced traffic onto alternative routes, leading to congestion in surrounding areas. The reconstruction project is a collaborative effort between the BMC and Central Railway, with the Railways responsible for the section of the bridge over the railway tracks and the BMC responsible for the approach roads, two pedestrian underpasses, and related infrastructure.

The project's cost has also increased from approximately Rs 42.8 crore to nearly Rs 50 crore due to the addition of steel girders and the associated works on the approach roads. With both major girders now in place, the focus is now on completing the remaining works by the BMC before the Sion ROB can be reopened to traffic.