Considering the busy roads of Mumbai and the increasing traffic demand, new plans have been made to rebuild the old Bellasis Bridge to give it a new life. The bridge has been an important means of connecting Mumbai Central and Grant Road, but after an audit in 2018, it was declared structurally unsafe. Now, it is being converted into a modern cable-stayed design, which will not only solve the traffic problem but will also add to the beauty of the city. Let’s understand every aspect of this project in detail.
History of Old Bellasis Bridge and its Importance
The Bellasis Bridge was constructed in 1893 and served as a railway overbridge (ROB). The bridge was the main route connecting Nagpada and Tardeo and has been an important part of the traffic. However, over time its structure weakened and became inefficient to meet the increasing traffic needs. The 2018 audit made it clear that demolishing it and building it new was the only option. Following this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) planned to rebuild it.
New Bellasis Bridge: A Modern Structure
The new Bellasis Bridge will be built based on cable-stayed technology, which will provide it strength and durability. The bridge will be 380 meters long and will have six vehicle lanes, double the old three-lane bridge. Also, it has been designed in such a way that it will be at a height of 6.5 meters above the railway track, which is a major improvement over the earlier one.
This bridge will not only bring smoothness to traffic, but its cable-stayed design will also make it a masterpiece of architecture. Steel construction and solid foundations will make it stronger. Along with this, piling work will be reduced in the construction of the bridge, which will ensure timely completion of the project.
Project Cost and Funding
The estimated cost of this project is ₹110 crore. BMC will contribute ₹70 crore to this, while ₹40 crore will be given by the railway department. The railway department has also taken over the demolition of the old bridge.This project’s success is guaranteed by the effort.
Construction process and progress
The old Bellasis Bridge was demolished in June 2024, and construction of the new bridge began soon after. Due to the location of the bridge above the railway track, a cable-stayed design was preferred. This technique not only speeds up the construction work but also provides durability.
Introducing Mumbai’s first cable-stayed ROB: Reay Road Bridge
Apart from the Bellasis Bridge, Mumbai’s first cable-stayed road overbridge (ROB) has also been constructed at Reay Road station. The bridge will be fully operational on January 26, 2025. The 1.52 km long, six-lane bridge will have separate footpaths for pedestrians, down stairs, and special features to control traffic. Built at a cost of ₹145 crore, the bridge will ease traffic in one of the busiest areas of Mumbai.
Importance of Bellasis Bridge for the city
The opening of the new Bellasis Bridge will lead to a major improvement in connectivity between Nagpada and Tardeo. This area is extremely busy in terms of traffic, and the new bridge will play an important role in reducing this pressure. Apart from this, this bridge will also give a new direction to the urban structure of Mumbai due to modern technology and design.
Future benefits associated with the project
Traffic ease: This six-lane bridge will provide relief to drivers from traffic jams.
Improved safety: The cable-stayed design will increase the structural strength of the bridge, making it more secure.
Time savings: Due to the faster construction process, the project will be completed on time, so traffic will not be affected.
Urban development: This bridge will take Mumbai’s infrastructure to new heights and promote the modern image of the city.
The reconstruction of Bellasis Bridge is not just an engineering project; it is a milestone in Mumbai’s urban development and traffic management. It is expected to be operational by October 2025 and will not only make life easier for citizens but will also reflect the modern times of Mumbai. The importance of this project is amazing not only at the local level but also at the national level.