Bellasis Bridge Reconstruction: BMC Aims To Beat Deadline, But Fisher Protest Looms

The Bellasis Bridge in south Mumbai, a century-old structure, is set to undergo reconstruction, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confident of finishing the project well before the June 2026 deadline. The BMC is aiming to complete it six months earlier, a rare achievement in a city often plagued by delays in infrastructure projects.

According to a Hindustan Times (HT) report, the bridge, built in 1893 and named after British Major General John Bellasis, spans over the railway tracks at Mumbai Central, linking Nagpada in the east to Tardeo in the west. After more than 130 years of use, the bridge was found to be in poor condition during a structural audit conducted by the BMC in 2018. Due to the bridge's deteriorating state, the BMC decided it would need to be demolished and rebuilt, impacting the 25,000 to 30,000 motorists who used it daily.

While the demolition didn't begin until June 2024, the project was delayed due to debates over which body would oversee the reconstruction. After discussions, it was decided that the BMC and Western Railway would jointly rebuild it, with a new cable-stayed design. The project will cost Rs 70 crore from the BMC and Rs 40 crore from the railways, and will double the number of lanes to six. During the construction, commuters have been advised to use alternative routes.

However, the design changes have affected some local residents. The reconstruction will impact 16 structures, and a 100-year-old fish market under the bridge is causing concern. While some fisherwomen have been offered alternative accommodation, others, lacking valid licences, face uncertainty. The affected fisherwomen are planning a protest on April 21 if their concerns aren't resolved in a meeting with BMC officials.

Despite these challenges, the BMC remains confident that the reconstruction of the Bellasis Bridge will meet its ambitious deadline.