**Mumbai Faces Traffic Challenges Amid Closure of Key Road Over Bridges, Government Emphasizes Long-Term Development**
Mumbai: Mumbaikars are currently grappling with significant inconvenience following the closure of two vital Road Over Bridges (ROBs) in south-central Mumbai — the Sion ROB and the recently closed Elphinstone Bridge (now renamed Prabhadevi). Despite the public frustration and traffic snarls, the government continues to defend these decisions, citing them as essential developmental projects undertaken in the larger public interest.
“The public backlash is temporary and decisions have to be taken in the interest of Mumbai city. Ten years down the line, people will realise the importance of the projects undertaken,” stated Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam.
**Past Projects Set a Precedent**
Speaking to the Free Press Journal on Monday, Satam elaborated, “If you want to do something substantial, you need to build an image and credibility, so you can withstand the momentary or temporary backlash. For example, I advocated for the demolition of the old Gokhale bridge in Andheri. At that time, I was heavily criticized for disrupting east-west connectivity. The bridge was shut in November 2022, partially reopened last month, and completely reopened for traffic in May this year. It stands as one of the fastest-executed projects by the BMC.”
**Political Implications**
When asked about the potential political repercussions of demolishing the Elphinstone Bridge ahead of the BMC elections, Satam remained confident. He pointed out that the Gokhale Bridge had also been closed a year and a half before the assembly elections, yet citizens still voted for the BJP.
“Elections occur every five years. That’s why the concept of one nation, one election is necessary. If a project benefits the citizens, the government must make decisions accordingly. Similar to the Gokhale bridge, the reconstruction of the Elphinstone and Sion ROBs is crucial for Mumbai’s development,” he added.
**Elphinstone Bridge Demolition Underway**
After years of resistance from local residents, the demolition of the more than 100-year-old Elphinstone Bridge finally commenced on September 12. This bridge will be replaced with a modern double-decker flyover aimed at improving traffic flow.
However, the construction is impacting at least 370 families residing in 19 buildings along the bridge’s path. Meanwhile, traffic has been rerouted via Currey Road and neighboring bridges, leading to severe jams in areas such as Bharatmata, Lalbaug, Parel, Chinchpokli, and around Tilak Bridge in Dadar, further adding to commuters’ woes.
**Sion ROB Reconstruction**
The Sion bridge, which has been closed to traffic since August 2024, is currently being rebuilt as part of a larger infrastructure initiative to lay the fifth and sixth railway lines between Parel and Kurla.
**Other Infrastructure Developments**
In addition to these, the BMC is also progressing with the construction of other vital connectors across the city, including projects in Dharavi, Bandra, Vidyavihar, and Mahalaxmi, aimed at decongesting traffic and improving connectivity.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-public-backlash-over-sion-and-elphinstone-rob-closures-bjp-chief-ameet-satam-defends-projects-as-essential-for-city-development
