Residents and local businesses say not against development, but worry about how bridge going will upend their lives. Locals also questioned the timing of demolition without a clear rehab plan. “We neither have the funds to move nor a fair offer from the government. If we’re forced out, we’ll have to go to court
The Elphinstone Bridge, which connects Parel and Prabhadevi, will be closed to vehicular traffic starting tonight. Pic/Ashish Raje
The much-debated closure of Elphinstone Bridge has finally been confirmed, sparking a wave of concern among local residents and commuters alike. The traffic department 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.
Elphinstone Bridge, which is due to be revamped, will be shut for two years from Friday night
After several postponements, we have finally granted the NOC for road closure, effective from the night of April 25, for a period of two years. While the official closure time is 9 pm, we will begin slowing traffic from 6 pm itself. Private vehicles will not be permitted after 6 pm, and only emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire brigades will be allowed. From 9 pm, the road will be completely closed for all activities,” said Anil Kumbhare, joint commissioner of police, traffic.
Mixed reactions
Residents in nearby areas expressed mixed feelings. While they aren’t opposed to development, they’re deeply concerned about the disruption to daily life. “Development is important. But must it always come at the cost of residents’ convenience and livelihoods? For now, our kids are on vacation, but schools will reopen in June. How are we supposed to drop them off when the suggested alternate route—Currey Road Bridge—is functional only one way at different times of the day?” asked Ashfaque Moharamkhan, 38, a Parel resident.
Evacuation fears grow
Residents worry more about forced evacuation than the bridge itself. “The countdown begins the day demolition starts. The MMRDA has already mentioned the spot inside our building premises for a bridge pillar. Sooner or later, we’ll be relocated. But where? They talk about shifting us to Kurla or Grant Road. Our children study here, and we’ve lived here all our lives,” said Rabiya Munaf Thakur, 40, a resident of Haaji Noorani. She added, “They’re offering just Rs 20 to Rs 40 lakh for flats in a prime area while giving pucca homes for free to nearby slum dwellers. How is that fair?”
The structure a day before its demolition. Pics/Ashish Raje
Locals also questioned the timing of demolition without a clear rehab plan. “We neither have the funds to move nor a fair offer from the government. If we’re forced out, we’ll have to go to court. This will only lead to stay orders and further delay the project,” said Akshay Dilip Sutar, 32. “Why the rush?” asked Thakur. “The Currey Road Bridge only works one way at a time, and the Tilak Bridge is already under partial construction. Closing this bridge will overload the remaining two.”
Health concerns
Shweta Gurav fears an increase in pollution during the reconstruction (right) Akshay Sutar warns of legal battles if locals are forcibly evacuated
Parel residents also flagged potential health impacts. “Pollution levels have already risen due to ongoing constructions. Once this project starts, noise and dust pollution will skyrocket. Seniors, kids and the working population will suffer. Plus, the bridge’s closure affects access to three major hospitals nearby,” said Shweta Gurav, 55.
Business affected
Local businesses fear losses due to reduced footfall. “Two years is a long time. I expect a 50 per cent drop in customers, which means a 50 per cent drop in income,” said Padmanabh Shetty, manager at Prarthana Hotel, located next to the bridge.
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