Sewri-Worli Connector Project: Elphinstone ROB work likely to begin in April

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority MMRDA is prepared to begin the demolition and reconstruction activity under the SewriWorli Connector project and the Elphinstone Road Over Bridge ROB work in Mumbai is likely to begin by 2nd week of April the officials said on MondayThe officials said that with all technical and safety protocols in place MMRDA is in the final stages of securing clearance from the Mumbai Traffic Police which is expected before April 10The dismantling of the over 100yearold Road Over Bridge ROB at Prabhadevi was a timesensitive task which must be completed ahead of the monsoon the officials saidThe work is likely to begin on April 10 marking a major milestone in the project and paving the way for a modern doubledecker structure that will significantly improve EastWest connectivity in MumbaiThe SewriWorli Elevated Connector is a vital 45 km long 4lane 22 divided elevated corridor designed to serve as a traffic dispersal route for the Mumbai side of the Atal Setu The corridor connects Atal Setu seamlessly with the BandraWorli Sea Link and the Mumbai Coastal Road Project significantly reducing travel time and providing signalfree access to central and south Mumbai for commuters from Navi MumbaiThe project includes the construction of ROBs at two locations mdash one across the Harbour Line at Sewri and another across the Central and Western lines at Prabhadevi Elphinstone Road The Prabhadevi ROB which is set to be dismantled is 13 meters wide and carries only 15 lanes in each direction This centuryold structure will be replaced with a stateoftheart doubledecker bridge designed to handle modernday traffic volumesTill date approximately 60 per cent of the project work has been completedDetails of the Proposed DoubleDecker BridgeThe proposed new structure will includeFirst Level 22 lane carriageway for traffic between Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and Senapati Bapat RoadSecond Level 22 lane carriageway for traffic from Atal Setu towards WorliKey Technical SpecificationsTwo spans 95m and 37m lengthSuperstructure weights 3000 MT and 1200 MT respectivelySewri side approach approx 156mWorli side approach approx 209mThe new ROB will be constructed using advanced techniques including the PushPull method for erecting the steel superstructure over active railway lines ensuring the safety of train commuters during operationsDemolition and Construction ChallengesAccording to MMRDA the demolition of the existing ROB and construction of the new one is an engineering challenge given the live railway tracks and limited urban spaceKey highlights includeDeployment of 800 MT capacity cranes with a 500 MT standby crane for dismantlingDaily time blocks required from both Central and Western RailwaysCareful handling of underground utilities during approach construction12month timeline targeted for completion post commencementRoad closure required between Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and Senapati Bapat RoadTraffic and Pedestrian Management PlanUpon receiving permission from the traffic police the stretch between Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and Senapati Bapat Marg will be closed to vehicular traffic for a year During this periodCurry Road Bridge south and Tilak Bridge north will serve as alternate routes for vehiclesPedestrian movementThe existing FOB near Parel Station north side will be designated a nonticketed zone for public useA new FOB is under construction on the south side near Prabhadevi Station While the Western Railway section is completed work on the Central Railway section is ongoing and will be expeditedOnce completed both FOBs will offer seamless eastwest pedestrian connectivityFor emergencies ambulance vehicles will be stationed on both sides of the bridge roundtheclockMMRDA has completed all groundwork for this critical infrastructure task and is only awaiting traffic police clearance to proceed Given the technical challenges and the urgency to complete demolition before the monsoon timely approvals are essential to maintain momentum and ensure commuter safety The traffic police are expected to issue permission around April 10 after MCGM works on the connecting roads are completedKeywordsElphinstone ROBSewriWorli Elevated ConnectorMMRDADemolitionReconstructionDoubledecker bridgeTraffic managementPrabhadeviMumbaiAtal SetuMumbai Coastal Road ProjectRailway clearancePedestrian management