In a major infrastructure push for south Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday virtually inaugurated a newly constructed railway overbridge near Mumbai Central Railway Station.
The online ceremony was attended by MLA Gopichand Padalkar and other senior officials. The project is being seen as a significant upgrade to the city’s transport network, especially in one of its busiest corridors.
Bridge Completed 15 Months Before Schedule
The overbridge, earlier known as the Bellasis flyover, has now been officially referred to as the railway flyover connecting Tardeo and Nagpada. Officials confirmed that the old name is no longer in use, and discussions are ongoing to possibly rename the structure after Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar.
The project has drawn attention for being completed nearly 15 months ahead of its original deadline. Although the construction was finished last month, the inauguration was postponed due to scheduling constraints and naming discussions.
Civic officials said completing the bridge ahead of time helped avoid prolonged traffic disruption in the Mumbai Central region.
Modern Design Replaces 1893 Structure
The new bridge replaces a structure that had been standing since 1893. After a structural audit declared the old bridge unsafe for public use, it was dismantled in June 2024.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation rebuilt the crossing as a modern cable-stayed bridge designed to handle higher traffic loads and improve safety standards. The total length of the structure is 333 metres. Of this, 138.39 metres fall on the eastern side and 157.39 metres on the western side, while a 36.90-metre span passes directly over railway tracks.
The bridge features a 7-metre-wide carriageway and wide footpaths on both sides to ensure pedestrian safety. Authorities say this design will significantly reduce congestion between Nagpada, Tardeo and the Mumbai Central area.
New Fleet for Mumbai Police
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Fadnavis also flagged off a new fleet of advanced vehicles for the Mumbai Police at Nariman Point.
The fleet includes more than 1,200 vehicles, comprising both four-wheelers and motorcycles. Officials said the addition is aimed at improving response time and strengthening operational efficiency across the city.
Ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Yogesh Ramdas Kadam, along with Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, were present at the event.
