The closure of Elphinstone Bridge in September last year has triggered a cascading impact on traffic across Dadar and adjoining areas, with the effects now sharply visible in and around Shivaji Park. Though described as temporary, the prolonged traffic diversions have turned into a daily ordeal for residents, commuters, pedestrians and emergency vehicles, exposing serious gaps in civic coordination and planning.

As part of the traffic management plan following the shutdown, Tilak Bridge was designated as a key alternative east-west connector. However, simultaneous road repairs, Mumbai Road Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) works, and extensive utility digging on the bridge have severely compromised its capacity to handle the diverted traffic. With stretches of the carriageway narrowed and footpaths dug up on both sides, vehicular movement has slowed to a crawl, especially during peak hours.