Mumbai: Vehicular movement between Byculla and Mazgaon is set to smoothen with the May 13 inauguration of the newly built cable-stayed road overbridge(ROB) at Reay Road. The 385-metre-long, six-lane bridge spans the Harbour railway line and links Mahul Road near the Eastern Freeway to Barrister Nath Pai Marg, which runs parallel to P D’Mello Road.The bridge will be inaugurated by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde.The ROB replaces the old two-lane bridge built in 1910 and named after Lord Reay, a governor of Raj-era Bombay. Reay Road station, which lies alongside the bridge, is a heritage structure and was once the terminus of the Harbour Line.With an estimated cost of 145 crore, the new bridge is Mumbai’s first cable-stayed ROB. Constructed byMaharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation(Maharail), its design incorporates longer spans to reduce the number of foundations and minimise the shifting of underground utilities. Maharail has also installed architectural LED lighting to enhance the visual appeal of the structure, given its proximity to heritage landmarks.Work began on Feb 14, 2022. As part of the project, Maharail relocated 130 hutments, 15 shop sheds, and a railway ticket counter. The ROB also integrates an underpass along Barrister Nath Pai Road while maintaining the vertical clearance under the Eastern Freeway as per IRC norms.The project was originally targeted for completion by June 2024.Maharail has been entrusted with redevelopment of old British-era and dilapidated bridges, primarily above railway tracks. The second bridge expected to be completed by Maharail will be the Bycuall ROB. Mohammed Shaikh, a taxi driver from Byculla, said, “The old bridge was too narrow and risky, especially during the monsoon. This new bridge will make it safer and faster for all of us.””Connectivity from the Eastern Freeway to South Mumbai will become smoother, especially during peak hours,” said Anuja Mehta, a Wadala resident who frequently drives through the corridor. Others appreciated the aesthetic upgrade. “It’s good to see some thoughtful design and lighting incorporated into a functional structure. Makes the city look world-class,” said Neil D’Souza, a biker who often rides through Barrister Nath Pai Road.