The century-old Tilak bridge, a crucial east-west connector in Dadar, is under immense strain. While a flashy LED display at the bridge promises a futuristic new structure,  the existing connector is unsafe for pedestrians, perpetually gridlocked, and overwhelmed by construction activity. Hawkers, meanwhile, have encroached upon every available space around the structure, leaving footpaths blocked and forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads alongside speeding vehicles.

Now, with the Elphinstone bridge set to be demolished, the entire load of east-west connectivity in this densely packed part of Mumbai will fall on Tilak bridge alone. “This is a ticking time bomb,” said Chetan Kamble of Chakachak Dadar. “If Phase 1 of the new bridge isn’t ready by April 2026, we’ll be staring at total traffic paralysis. What we need isn’t just concrete and steel, it’s public accountability. We need clear timelines, proper traffic management, and protection for local businesses and commuters.”

Why a new bridge?