17 September,2026 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The reconstruction became necessary as the existing bridge, which is around 112 years old, was declared unsafe. Pic/Special Arrangement
The reconstruction of the crucial Sion railway bridge is nearing completion, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) planning to complete all remaining work by October 15, 2026, officials said.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar inspected the project site and reviewed the progress of the bridge reconstruction. He also issued directions to ensure the work is completed on priority and the bridge is opened before the original deadline, an official statement said.
The bridge is being reconstructed as part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-2), under which Central Railway is developing the fifth and sixth railway lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla.
The reconstruction became necessary as the existing bridge, which is around 112 years old, was declared unsafe. The new structure will also create sufficient space for the expansion of the fifth and sixth railway lines.
According to the tender schedule, the bridge reconstruction was originally expected to be completed by February 2027. However, BMC has directed that the bridge be made operational earlier.
The main bridge structure within railway limits is being reconstructed by the railway authorities, while the BMC's Bridges Department is carrying out the reconstruction and strengthening of the approach roads within its jurisdiction in coordination with Central Railway.
The project is being funded by the railway department.
Central Railway completed concreting of the deck slab of the first 500-tonne steel girder on August 21, followed by concreting of the deck slab of the second girder on August 29.
Work on crash barriers for both girders is currently under way, along with the concrete wearing coat on the deck slabs.
On the western side, reconstruction of the approach road from Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg to Sant Rohidas Marg in Dharavi is in its final stage.
On the eastern side, part of the required land was handed over by Central Railway to the BMC on August 25 for construction of the approach road. Work has since started and other reinforced concrete works are also progressing rapidly.
The BMC is coordinating closely with Central Railway to complete the project on priority.
The new bridge will have a 54.5-metre single span and will be 29 metres wide.
As there will be no supporting pillars below the bridge, sufficient space will be available for the expansion of the fifth and sixth railway lines between CSMT and Kurla.
Once opened in October, the new bridge is expected to improve traffic movement around Sion, Dharavi, Kurla and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, where congestion is frequently reported.
Chief Engineer (Bridges) Rajesh Mule and other engineers and officials were present during the inspection.
