The reconstruction of the British-era Sion Road Overbridge by Central Railway (CR) has only seen 10 per cent of the progress so far. The bridge has been closed to traffic since August 2024. The project is part of a larger plan to add fifth and sixth railway lines between Parel and Kurla.
As per reports, there have been many issues that have caused the delays:
1. Four trees on the east side and four buildings on the Dharavi side need to be removed to make space for a new 3.5-meter-wide foot overbridge.
2. A lavatory block on the east-side walkway of the F/N ward is another obstacle. This block is allegedly occupied by someone with a metered electricity connection.
3. On the west side, the underpass near Dharavi has to be closed to allow piling work for the abutment.
4. Electrical utilities near the Matunga-end pathway, overhead cables, and a large hoarding structure on the east side also have to be removed.
5. Other tasks include rerouting a drainage pipe near the BMC quarters in Dharavi and moving water supply lines paralleling the footpath.
The bridge is being rebuilt to get rid of structural issues caused by the existing pillars. The new structure will maintain its width of 29 meters like the old bridge. However, it will have an extended span of 49 meters, compared to the last bridge's 30 meters.
The demolition process is expected to take two more months. Reconstruction will require an additional 18 months to complete. As per reports, the pay-and-use lavatory on the east side will be removed within 15 days. Efforts are being made to find another location for the facility.
It has been reported that CR has repeatedly asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to speed up approvals and clearances. However, the project still faces delays.
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