Like a long-silenced artery finding its pulse again, the Bellasis flyover is ready to carry Mumbai forward.
Rebuilding a Vital Link—Faster Than Time Expected
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completed the reconstruction of the Bellasis flyover, a critical connector between Tardeo, Nagpada and Mumbai Central, and it is set to open to the public soon. Officials said the project was wrapped up in a record 15 months and six days—well ahead of the original deadline—despite nearly four months still remaining under the tender conditions.
The work order was issued in September 2024, with construction beginning on October 1, 2024. Railway authorities were expected to issue the mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC) midweek.
“A joint inspection conducted with BMC officials on January 20 at the Bellasis ROB, Mumbai Central. The reconstruction of ROB has been completed in all respect and ready for the opening of vehicular traffic. The railway portion has been rebuilt by Western Railway while approaches on east and west by BMC. The NOC for opening road traffic over ROB will be issued on Wednesday,” an official told mid-day.
The early completion was credited to seamless coordination between the Municipal Bridges Department, Railways, ward offices and Traffic Police, supported by round-the-clock work, meticulous planning and disciplined execution.
From Colonial Relic to Modern Lifeline
Originally built around 130 years ago during the British era, the Bellasis flyover had been declared unsafe, prompting its demolition and complete reconstruction as part of BMC’s broader infrastructure upgrade programme under Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.
The project faced multiple challenges, including relocating BEST buses, removing 13 obstructing structures with resident rehabilitation, demolishing a nearby society’s boundary wall, and navigating legal proceedings in the Bombay High Court. Even the four-month monsoon failed to halt progress due to phased execution.
Spanning 333 metres, the flyover includes a 7-metre-wide carriageway with footpaths and serves as a crucial east–west corridor over railway tracks on Jangir Boman Behram Marg. Once operational, it is expected to ease congestion across south Mumbai. Final opening awaits Railway NOC, load testing and safety clearances already having been secured.
As steel and concrete meet momentum, the flyover stands ready to stitch the city’s daily journeys back together.
Summary
The BMC has completed the reconstruction of the 130-year-old Bellasis flyover in record time, restoring a key east–west link in south Mumbai. Finished months ahead of schedule despite major challenges, the 333-metre structure awaits final Railway NOC before opening, promising major traffic relief and improved connectivity.
