Mumbai: The demolition of the Elphinstone Road over-bridge has thrown Mumbai traffic into disarray, creating massive jams, long delays, and frustration for commuters.

The bridge, which was closed late Friday to be replaced with a modern double-decker structure under the Sewri-Worli elevated connector project, was a crucial east-west link between Parel and Prabhadevi used by an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 people every day.

With the bridge now shut, severe bottlenecks have emerged across central Mumbai. Travel times have skyrocketed — the usual 15-minute commute between Sion and Dadar is now taking over an hour, while trips from Navi Mumbai to Parel have stretched from 45 minutes to nearly two hours.

Traffic police have identified Tilak Bridge, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Currey Road, Chinchpokli, and Gokhale Road as major choke points.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare confirmed that 100 traffic wardens are being deployed in three shifts, along with 50 additional police personnel and 25 Maharashtra Security Force jawans, to manage the diversions and control congestion.

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced temporary rerouting of 11 bus routes from Parel depot.

Ordinary and semi-luxury buses between Parel and Dadar now take longer routes via Madke Buwa Chowk, Parel T.T. Junction, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, and Krishna Nagar Junction. Premium Shivneri and e-Shivneri services are also impacted.

Due to the increased travel distance — around 0.2 km for ordinary buses and up to 0.9 km on premium routes — MSRTC has confirmed a slight fare hike under its slab system.

Commuters have described the situation as “chaotic” and “unbearable,” with many workers, students, and patients struggling to reach offices, schools, and hospitals in the affected areas.

Authorities have urged Mumbaikars to plan their travel accordingly and allow extra time until the new bridge construction progresses.