Sion bridge: Clash over infra, safety

The demolition process, initially planned to start on Jan 20, faced opposition from residents and leaders; MP Rahul Shewale advocates for a more inclusive decision-making process

The Sion road overbridge (ROB) has become a symbol of conflicting interests, with safety concerns and community needs colliding in a contentious situation. A 2020 audit report by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay flagged the bridge’s dilapidated condition, sparking discussions on infrastructure development, safety measures, and the importance of community engagement.

The IIT Bombay report rang alarm bells, emphasising the bridge’s precarious state due to its expired lifespan. In response, the Railway swiftly initiated repair plans. However, the initial strategy of demolition of the bridge hit a roadblock when a local Member of Parliament, Rahul Shewale, intervened.

According to sources, Shewale argued for a more inclusive decision-making process, advocating for community consultation before major infrastructure changes.

Residents, particularly those with school-going children dependent on the bridge for daily access, expressed concerns over potential disruptions caused by the proposed demolition. Kalim Khan, a resident of Dharavi,

emphasised, “The bridge has been a crucial pathway for the local population, serving as a lifeline for daily activities. The proposed demolition would impact hundreds of students who rely on this bridge.”

Acknowledging these concerns, the Railway announced the retention of the pedestrian path during the demolition period to minimise inconvenience. Meanwhile, Shewale told FPJ, “After the conclusion of the winter session of Parliament, we will convene a joint meeting to diligently seek solutions.”

The IIT report, submitted in 2020, highlighted the deteriorating condition of the first two girders of the north end of the Sion ROB, including the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) deck slab and RCC parapet wall. The recommendation called for the dismantling of these structures after taking all necessary safety measures.

In response to the IIT report, a senior officer of the Central Railway (CR) emphasised that necessary maintenance had been done. However, the demolition of the bridge is deemed necessary

for future development and the safety of passengers. Consequently, the CR decided to re-construct the ROB in coordination with the BMC. The project’s cost, amounting to Rs49 crore, will be shared between the CR and the BMC. The demolition process Was supposed to start on January 20 but has yet not started due to opposition from residents and leaders.

According to traffic police officials, they have not been informed about any developments about the closure of the ROB by the railway. The traffic planned to divert from

Sion ROB to other adjoining routes has now been returned as usual.

“The ROB was being shut down for railway construction purposes and from the traffic point of view, they had planned to widen the ROB to accommodate more vehicles, which would have improved the traffic flow and relieved the congestion. The previous NOC will not be valid now, so if the new plan is given to us by railway, we will look for clearance from our end,” a senior official at Matunga traffic division informed the FPJ.

IIT Bombay’s 2020 audit report highlights the dilapidated condition of ROB, signaling potential safety risks due to its expired lifespan

Swift response from the railways included repair plans after the alarming audit report, initially considering demolition to address safety concerns

Residents, particularly those with school-going children dependent on the bridge, expressed worries about potential disruptions caused by the proposed demolition

Railways announced the retention of the pedestrian path during the demolition to minimise inconvenience

CR decided to reconstruct the ROB in coordination with the BMC, sharing the project’s cost amounting to `49 crore

IIT report detailed the deteriorating condition of key components of the bridge, recommending the dismantling of these structures while ensuring necessary safety measures