Elphinstone Bridge row: Locals demand clarity on rehabilitation, say ‘we’re not against development’

Locals questioned the timing of closure of the Elphinstone Bridge without a clear rehabilitation plan. Pic/Rajendra B. Aklekar

Several residents of Parel on Friday evening gathered at Elphinstone Bridge in Mumbai to protest as the civic officials began preparations to shut down the the crucial road.

As per latest development, Elphinstone Bridge was kept partially opened for traffic at 10 pm. The lane at the Parel-end was blocked by the protesting residents and JCB machines, leading to closure of traffic moving towards Prabhadevi. However, the traffic movement from Prabhadevi to Parel is functional as usual.

IN PHOTOS: Residents protest against closure of Elphinstone Bridge in Mumbai

4 days agoPHOTO GALLERY

On Friday evening, locals had stopped the movement of the vehicles on Elphinstone Bridge, causing traffic jam-like situation on the route for a brief period.

Some locals fear that, once the bridge is demolished, their homes will be lost and hence on Friday evening gathered at the bridge to stop its closure.

Locals questioned the timing of closure of the bridge without a clear rehabilitation plan.

Sriram Pawar, a resident said, "We are not against development, we are protesting because the authorities are executing the the closure of the bridge without clarifying our rehabilitation. The officials not taken any joint meeting of the residents as yet to inform their rehabilitation plan."

The closure of Elphinstone Bridge has been planned on Friday night, sparking a wave of concern among local residents and commuters alike.

A local resident told mid-day, "We have been living here for the past 80 years, where will we go. The authorities must clarify how do they plan to relocate the local residents. Despite multiple attempts we have not yet heard from the authorities to clarify on our future."

As per one of the local, the pillar of the new bridge is going to be impacting two buildings.

Another resident said, "Once the bridge is demolished, what will happen to the residents homes. The civic authorities and the state government must first clarify and then execute the demolition or closure of the bridge."

The traffic police has officially given the green light for the bridge to be shut down from tonight. The closure is set to last two years and is expected to significantly impact travel routes, emergency access, and the lives of local residents and businesses.

After several postponements, the NOC for road closure was granted to the traffic police. The officials has planned to close the Elphinstone Bridge on the night of April 25. The bridge is scheduled to be closed for a period of two years, the officials said.