Elphinstone Bridge Closure Sparks Protest: 100+ Residents Vow Not to Leave, Block Authorities’ Plan

Elphinstone Bridge closure faces stiff resistance as 100+ residents stage protests, vowing not to vacate or allow authorities to shut the historic bridge. Tensions rise in Mumbai

Local residents in Mumbai‘s Parel began to gather to protest on Wednesday night against the closure of the Elphinstone bridge, saying they won’t move or allow it to shut until they get clarity on their relocation.

Earlier, the top officials from the Mumbai traffic department had stated that the Elphinstone bridge will be shut for traffic from Wednesday, September 10.

Akshay Sutar, a local resident from Lakshmi Nivas building in Parel told mid-day, “That the officials have not given the residents clarity on their relocation. He said that the residents would protest and will not allow the bridge to close.

Several local residents were seen marching towards the end of the Elphinstone bridge to protest against the decision to closure of the route. The locals were also seen removing the bridge closure board installed by the authorities.

As tensions rose, Mumbai Police officials rushed to the spot to control the situation.

Senior Police Inspector Dattaram Thakur was seen trying to calm the situation. He urged the protesters not to take the law into their own hands. He also appealed for cooperation and peaceful dialogue as authorities tried to implement the bridge closure.

The protest is part of ongoing resistance by local residents demanding clarity on the closure of the bridge, which they say will cause major inconvenience.

The Elphinstone bridge, a crucial arterial link connecting Parel and Elphinstone Road, has been marked for redevelopment due to its deteriorating structural condition. The plan to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a new, modern two-layered bridge was set in motion with a formal notification for closure issued in April. Months later, authorities have yet to initiate on-ground work due to pending rehabilitation arrangements for to-be-affected residents of Lakshmi Niwas and Haaji Noorani, two of the 19 buildings expected to be affected.

The historic Elphinstone Bridge in Mumbai has become the center of a heated confrontation between residents and civic authorities. As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) moved forward with plans to shut down the bridge citing safety concerns, more than 100 residents and local shopkeepers staged a powerful protest, vowing not to vacate their homes and businesses or allow the bridge to close.

Elphinstone Bridge, one of the city’s older structures with both heritage value and daily commuter utility, has long been under scrutiny. Authorities argue that the structure has weakened over the decades, making closure necessary to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. Engineers from the civic body reportedly submitted technical assessments highlighting cracks and wear that make the bridge “structurally unsafe.”

However, locals strongly disagree. Many argue that the bridge still serves as a lifeline for residents, shopkeepers, and commuters, linking key neighborhoods in Mumbai’s bustling heart. For them, the bridge is not just an infrastructure element but also a cultural symbol tied to their daily lives and livelihoods.

During the latest protest, residents chanted slogans such as “Bridge bandh karna manzoor nahi” (We won’t allow the bridge to close). They blocked entry points and staged sit-ins, carrying placards that highlighted their demands.

Their core concerns include:

Loss of connectivity: Closure would force locals to take longer detours, disrupting travel for schoolchildren, elderly residents, and working professionals.

Economic impact: Dozens of small businesses that depend on the steady commuter flow fear severe losses if the bridge is shut.

Heritage neglect: Protesters argue that instead of closure, authorities should invest in restoration and strengthening of the structure.

A resident leading the agitation told the media, “We will not leave. We will not allow authorities to demolish or close Elphinstone Bridge. This is our lifeline, and we will fight until they agree to repair it instead of shutting it down.”

The BMC, however, has maintained that public safety cannot be compromised. Officials have pointed out that the bridge has been flagged multiple times for urgent repairs, and inaction could lead to catastrophic consequences similar to past bridge-related accidents in the city.

A senior civic engineer stated, “We understand the residents’ concerns, but safety comes first. Our inspections reveal structural fatigue that cannot be ignored. We are exploring alternatives like temporary pedestrian pathways, but closure is necessary.”

Sensing public anger, several political leaders have started voicing support for the protesting residents. Some opposition party members accused the ruling authorities of “failing to balance development with heritage protection” and urged immediate dialogue. Others demanded an independent structural audit by experts outside the civic body to build public trust in the decision-making process.

The issue has now taken a political turn, with protests intensifying and pressure mounting on the BMC to find a compromise solution.

The Elphinstone Bridge closure dispute highlights a larger challenge in Mumbai’s urban landscape – balancing safety, heritage preservation, and residents’ needs. While the civic authorities prioritize preventing accidents, residents and shopkeepers view the closure as a direct attack on their way of life.

Possible solutions that are being discussed include:

A phased repair plan allowing partial use of the bridge while structural strengthening is carried out.

Alternative transport arrangements, including shuttle services for locals during closure.

Dialogue and mediation involving civic officials, heritage experts, and residents to find a middle ground.

Until then, the protests are likely to continue, with locals standing firm in their demand: “Repair, don’t close.”

Elphinstone Bridge Closure Sparks Protest: 100+ Residents Vow Not to Leave, Block Authorities’ Plan