Sion overbridge to be rebuilt to pave way for 2 new rail lines : Hindustan Times

MUMBAI: In order to pave the way for the much-awaited fifth and sixth railway lines from Kurla to Parel, the Central Railway (CR) is planning to reconstruct a road overbridge (ROB) adjacent to Sion railway station. This is the only link between the Sion-Panvel highway, Dharavi and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

Earlier, the proposal was to just elevate the height of the ROB. But now CR plans to dismantle the existing structure and reconstruct it.

“We are still planning how to reconstruct the bridge. Once that is prepared, it will be sent to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for approval, following which the tenders will be floated,” said senior CR official, requesting anonymity.

The existing ROB is being reconstructed for the fifth and sixth railway lines, which will be used to operate only long-distance or freight trains. For commuters, this means more suburban trains can be operated on the existing fast corridor.

However, dismantling the existing ROB will inconvenience motorists because it is the only link between Sion (East) and BKC.

Meanwhile, the CR has already awarded tenders for various other works at Sion and Matunga stations.

This includes the construction of two new platforms at each of the stations, the construction of a new foot overbridge at both the stations and the extension of two foot overbridges (FOBs) at Sion.

The plans are awaiting final approvals from the CR headquarters and work is expected to start within a fortnight.

For commuters this means wider FOBs at Sion and Matunga station. The existing two FOBs at Matunga are narrow, which will be reconstructed to become 6metre wide. Similarly, the Sion station will get new FOB in middle of the platform and other two FOBs at Sion on CST and Kurla end will be extended towards Dharavi (Sion west).

CR divisional railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) member Gaurang Damani said, “The widening of Matunga and the extension of Sion FOBs were our long-standing demands. We are glad railways has started work on it. Both these will give big relief to the commuters.”