Mumbai: Bellasis flyover, a key east-west connector linking Tardeo, Nagpada and Mumbai Central, is likely to open for traffic next week. The final finishing works were completed on January 6, and subsequently, load testing, structural stability, and safety certifications were obtained.BMC completed the entire construction in 15 months and six days, four months ahead of the scheduled deadline. Bellasis flyover will be opened to traffic after receiving the mandatory no-objection certificate from the Railways, in coordination with the traffic police, said civic officials.Once opened to traffic, the new flyover is expected to restore east–west connectivity that had been disrupted for nearly two years and ease congestion on Jahangir Boman Behram Marg, Dadasaheb Bhadkamkar Marg (Grant Road), Pathe Bapurao Marg, and near Mahalaxmi station bridge.After the British-era Bellasis flyover was declared unsafe, BMC undertook its demolition and reconstruction as part of its infrastructure upgrade programme. The work order was issued in September 2024, while actual construction commenced October 1, 2024. Work over the tracks was executed by the railways, while girder bracing, deck sheet installation, slab casting, and construction of approach roads on both sides were completed by BMC.The entire project was broken down into sub-activities, with clearly defined timelines, said officials. “The local ward office and traffic police provided crucial support throughout the execution,” said an official.The new Bellasis flyover has a total length of 333m, of which around 138.4m lie on the eastern side, 157.4m on the western side, and 36.9m fall within railway limits. The carriageway is 7m wide, with wide footpaths on both sides, a feature that pedestrians pointed out is missing in recently reconstructed bridges.“The project was challenging due to several obstacles, including relocation of BEST buses, removal of 13 structures obstructing construction with rehabilitation of affected residents, demolition of a boundary wall of a nearby housing society, and a case pending before the high court. Despite these hurdles, engineers ensured that the project progressed without delay. With systematic planning, work continued uninterrupted even during the four-month monsoon period, enabling completion well before the stipulated deadline,” said a civic official.
