Mumbai’s Century-Old Tilak Bridge Set for 6-Lane Replacement; First Phase Likely to Open in April 2026

Mumbai:
Mumbai’s Dadar area is on the cusp of a significant infrastructure upgrade as the replacement of the nearly 100-year-old Tilak Bridge moves closer to completion. The new bridge, designed as a modern six-lane structure, is under construction and has reached nearly 70 per cent completion. Authorities have indicated that the first phase of the project is likely to open in April 2026, offering partial relief to commuters on one of the city’s critical east–west corridors.

The project marks a major milestone in Mumbai’s efforts to modernise ageing transport infrastructure while ensuring continuity of traffic movement during construction.

From a 1925 Landmark to a Modern Connector

The original Tilak Bridge was constructed in 1925 and has served as a key east–west connector over railway tracks in Dadar for decades. Over time, the bridge became a vital link for daily commuters, handling substantial vehicular traffic between the eastern and western parts of the city.

In 2019, civic authorities declared the century-old structure to be structurally unfit, triggering the need for a complete replacement. However, to avoid severe traffic disruption in the densely populated Dadar area, the decision was taken to keep the old bridge operational until the new one is ready. Once the replacement bridge is fully constructed and operational, the existing structure will be demolished.

Construction Progress and Phased Development

The new Tilak Bridge is being built in two phases to ensure smoother traffic management during the transition period. According to project details, construction has progressed to around 70 per cent, with key activities such as girder launching and superstructure work currently underway.

The first phase of the project is expected to conclude with the opening of a three-lane bridge by April 2026. This partial opening will allow vehicles to begin using the new structure while work continues on the remaining portion.

Phase two will complete the transformation into a full six-lane bridge. This phase is expected to take approximately 18 additional months after the first phase and is projected to be completed by 2028, when the bridge will be fully operational in its expanded form.

Scale, Cost, and Implementing Agencies

Once completed, the new Tilak Bridge will span 600 metres and be significantly wider than the existing bridge. The expanded width is intended to accommodate higher traffic volumes and improve overall traffic flow across the corridor.

The project is being jointly executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC). The total cost of construction has been pegged at ₹375 crore, reflecting the scale and complexity of building a major bridge over active railway lines in one of Mumbai’s busiest areas.

Expected Impact on Traffic and Safety

The upgraded bridge is expected to bring tangible benefits for commuters. With increased width and additional lanes, the new structure is designed to handle more vehicles, easing congestion that has long plagued the Dadar east–west crossing.

Authorities expect smoother traffic movement and improved road safety once the bridge becomes operational. The phased opening strategy is also aimed at minimising inconvenience to commuters by gradually shifting traffic from the old bridge to the new one.

Managing the Transition Period

Until the new bridge is fully completed, the existing Tilak Bridge will continue to carry traffic. This approach has been adopted to prevent traffic bottlenecks in the area, given the importance of the route for daily travel.

Once the six-lane bridge is completed by 2028, the old structure—declared unfit several years ago—will be dismantled, marking the end of a century-old piece of Mumbai’s infrastructure and the beginning of a modern replacement.

A Key Upgrade for Central Mumbai

The Tilak Bridge replacement is one of several infrastructure projects underway to address congestion and ageing assets in Mumbai. Given Dadar’s role as a major transport hub, the successful completion of the bridge is expected to have a wider impact on traffic patterns in central Mumbai.

What Happens Next

In the coming months, construction activity will continue with a focus on completing girder launching and superstructure work for the first phase. If timelines hold, commuters can expect partial use of the new bridge from April 2026. Full six-lane connectivity is slated for completion by 2028, after which the old bridge will be removed.

Until then, authorities are expected to manage traffic movement carefully to balance construction activity with daily commuter needs.