Residents Halt Demolition of 125-Year-Old Elphinstone Bridge; CM’s Office Pauses Work Until Monday

Mumbai, April 26:A four-hour standoff late Friday night between residents and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials brought the proposed demolition of the iconic 125-year-old Elphinstone Bridge to an abrupt halt. The resistance, sparked by concerns over relocation, compensation, and infrastructure access, resulted in a temporary pause in operations ordered by the Chief Minister’s office, confirmed by Wadala MLA Kalidas Kolambkar.

The protest erupted around 8 PM when residents from 19 surrounding buildings, including Haji Noorani and Laxmi Niwas CHS, objected to the demolition team’s initial activity—closing one lane and dismantling the divider. The situation intensified by 9 PM, with residents physically obstructing machinery and demanding that the work cease.

Despite prior notices from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), many residents expressed frustration over the lack of clear relocation plans and the absence of adequate compensation. “We were served notices, but there was no clarity about where we’re supposed to go. This is our home and community,” said Komal Parab, a resident of Haji Noorani.

The Elphinstone Bridge, a crucial east-west connector in South Mumbai, is scheduled to be replaced as part of the MMRDA’s Worli-Sewri connector project. However, the proposed closure has drawn criticism from both residents and daily commuters due to the limited and overburdened alternative routes, such as the Tilak and Currey Road bridges.

Residents voiced strong objections to relocation sites offered, citing safety concerns and significant distance from their workplaces and schools. Pallavi Padiyar, a local mother, expressed distress over the potential hour-long school commute, which currently takes just ten minutes. Similar concerns were raised about access to critical hospitals in the eastern corridor, such as KEM, Wadia, and Tata Memorial.

In response, Traffic DCP Samadhan Pawar stated that a comprehensive traffic diversion plan was in place, with additional personnel ready to manage congestion. Senior traffic officials visited the site earlier in the day to monitor conditions and gather feedback.

The fate of the bridge’s demolition now hinges on a crucial meeting scheduled for Monday, where residents hope to be heard and receive equitable solutions. In the meantime, the Elphinstone Bridge stands as both a historical structure and a symbol of a community’s fight to protect its roots.