Mumbai : Central Railway has flagged serious concerns over seven road overbridges (ROBs) across the Mumbai region that remain unusable despite the railway completing its share of construction. The bridges, meant to ease traffic and replace level crossings, are stuck in limbo because the approach roads—under the responsibility of local civic bodies—are still incomplete.
The incomplete structures are located in areas such as Diva, Vidyavihar, Ambernath–Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi, Roha–Nidi, Lonavala–Malavali, and Nilje–Taloja Panchnand. In each case, the deck over the railway tracks is ready, but the surrounding infrastructural work has not progressed, rendering the bridges inaccessible.
At busy spots like Diva, the delay has forced thousands of commuters to continue depending on level crossings that open hundreds of times a day, creating long queues and frequent congestion. Railway officials say the situation not only wastes public money but also delays crucial safety improvements.
According to officials, the main reasons behind the stagnation include land acquisition disputes, pending court cases, delays in utility relocation, and slow municipal approvals. Despite repeated reminders from the railway administration, local agencies have not provided a clear timeline for completing the pending work.
Central Railway has urged authorities to expedite the projects, emphasizing that the full benefits of these bridges—reduced traffic, enhanced safety, and smoother movement—can only be realized once the approach roads are completed.
