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MUMBAI: Western Railway has commenced the reconstruction of the bridge over the Mithi River between Bandra and Mahim, marking the end of one of Indian Railways’ last remaining screw-pile structures.
After a major rail accident on the Kadalundi bridge (on a screw-pile foundation) in 2001, it was decided by the Railway Board to replace all the bridges with screw-pile foundations on priority.
Built in 1888, the bridge’s cast iron screw piles, which supported the tracks for over 135 years, will soon be replaced with a more robust RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) foundation.
To facilitate this crucial work, a 9.5-hour block will be imposed during the nights of January 24-25 and January 25-26, suspending all local train services between Dadar and Andheri during the block period. This is in accordance with Indian Railways’ directive to phase out screw-pile structures nationwide due to safety concerns.
Unique Features of the Bridge
The bridge, officially known as Bridge No. 20, spans the Mithi River and supports four rail lines—two slow and two fast—between Churchgate and Virar. Its eight cast iron pillars, weighing 8–10 tonnes each, extend 15–20 meters deep into the riverbed and are nearly 600 mm in diameter with a thickness of 50 mm.
“These iron piers, though strengthened over the years, have become weak and pose a safety risk,” said a Western Railway engineer. “The screw piles will be dismantled and replaced as part of this reconstruction effort.”
The bridge spans approximately 50–60 meters, supported by seven cement girders. On the Churchgate side, the iron screw piles will be replaced. To aid the reconstruction, cofferdams have been installed on both sides of the river to block water ingress, and high-power pumps are being used to flush out accumulated water.
This historic bridge, once considered an engineering marvel, will soon make way for a modern and safer design, ensuring uninterrupted rail operations for the future.
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