Sion ROB Opening Likely Delayed Till August 15 After Girder Launch Setback

The reopening of the Sion Railway Over Bridge has been delayed once again, with the project now expected to be completed only by August 15. The century-old bridge, which has served as an important east-west connector in Mumbai, has remained closed since August 2024. Due to this closure, daily commuters, schoolchildren, pedestrians and motorists have been forced to take longer routes, resulting in increased travel time and traffic congestion in the area.

The reconstruction work is being carried out jointly by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Central Railway. The railway portion of the bridge is being handled by Central Railway, while the approach roads, pedestrian underpasses and related infrastructure are being developed by the civic body. However, despite the project being underway for a long period, key work remains unfinished.

The latest delay has been linked to the postponement of the first girder launch over the railway tracks. The girder was earlier scheduled to be launched on April 30 and then rescheduled to May 31. It is now expected to be completed by June 10. The second girder launch, which had been planned for June 20, has also been pushed to June 30.

A senior railway official reportedly said that the delay was not from the railways’ side. It was stated that preparatory work required from the BMC side had not been completed and that additional time had been sought. It was also said that the contractor could not arrange the required crane and standby crane for the girder-launching operation.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Bangar said that the western approach road was expected to be completed by June 30. The eastern approach road work would be started only after the second girder was launched. Once these works are completed, the bridge is expected to be opened for traffic by August 15.

Local representative Rajshree Shirwadkar said that the bridge closure had caused major inconvenience, especially to schoolchildren. She said that better coordination between the BMC and Central Railway was needed so that the remaining work could be completed quickly.

Meanwhile, the project cost has also increased. The estimated cost has gone up from ₹42.8 crore to nearly ₹50 crore because of the addition of steel girders and approach road development.