Sion Bridge Demolition Delayed: Traffic Chaos and Exam Concerns Grow

Sion,Mumbai: Five months after Sion Bridge was closed in August 2024, the demolition work remains stalled, sparking frustration among residents and commuters. The delay is due to multiple obstacles, including the removal of four trees, relocation of a public toilet, and shifting various utilities, which have been compounded by poor coordination between the BMC and Railways.

The closure has led to severe traffic congestion across nearby roads, including Vakola, SCLR, and Tilak Bridge, while the pedestrian portion of the bridge has only offered limited relief. With the HSC exams set to begin on February 11, local parents and students are now questioning whether the demolition should be delayed further to prevent even more inconvenience.

The demolition delay is affecting not just road connectivity but also the broader infrastructure project, which includes laying the fifth and sixth railway lines between Parel and Kurla. While initial work like surface digging and barricading has started, significant demolition tasks remain pending.

Local MLA Jyoti Gaikwad has called the situation a failure in planning, emphasizing the ongoing safety concerns for pedestrians and the worsening daily struggles for Mumbai residents. As the situation continues to unfold, commuters are left hoping for swift action before traffic disruptions escalate further.

The delay highlights the challenges faced by Mumbai in balancing infrastructure upgrades with timely execution, and with multiple stakeholders involved, the pressure is mounting on both the Railways and BMC to act swiftly.