Elphinstone bridge closure drinks 4400 Lts per day of extra fuel from Mumbaikars 🪳
Very well understand the new bridge (whenever due) will save a lot of fuel, so we should welcome it. But given crudeoil shortages, if Government takes onus to conclude the project even 30 days earlier, we can save 132,000 Lts of fuel! So while we are trying not to buy gold, not to travel abroad, use less crude oil, and edible oil, can our government push to complete the project earlier? Maybe, maybe not! What do you think?
Model by back-of-envelope estimation using claude.
ASSUMPTIONS
Bridge length = 0.3 km for all three bridges (Elphinstone, Dadar, and Curry Road). Diversion route = 2 km extra one way (4 km return).
100% of Elphinstone traffic takes the longer alternate route by shifting to Dadar or Curry Road bridges.
Dadar and Curry Road each see +50% volume independently (not combined Elphinstone overflow).
Mileage before closure: 14 kmpl on all three bridges. After: 6 kmpl on Dadar and Curry Road (degraded by congestion).
Peak = 6 hrs, off-peak = 18 hrs.
Peak flow: 300 cars/lane/hr; off-peak: 60 cars/lane/hr.
100% cars. No trucks, 2-wheelers, or buses modelled — real-world impact is higher!
Mileage on diversion route for Elphinstone cars assumed 6 kmpl (peak) and 10 kmpl (off-peak).
Does not include spillover congestion beyond bridge approaches · Fuel price assumed ₹100/litre (between Diesel and Petrol)