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Central Mumbai chokes after Elphinstone Bridge closure for reconstruction
MUMBAI: Commuters faced severe traffic snarls on Saturday as travel times across Central Mumbai surged following the closure of the over century-old Elphinstone Road Over Bridge (ROB) on Friday night. A routine 15-minute cab ride from Sion to Dadar stretched to over an hour, while the 45-minute drive from Navi Mumbai to Parel took nearly two hours.
The closure, part of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project, aimed to replace the critical east-west link that passes over two railway stations, used by around 500,000–700,000 daily commuters. Public anger was palpable on roads and social media, with many blaming poor planning and mismanagement on the first day of the bridge’s shutdown.
Chaos erupted on alternate routes and diversions set by the Mumbai Traffic Police, with traffic jams beginning by 10.30am. Joint commissioner of police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare said, “We posted 100 traffic wardens in three shifts, along with 50 extra police personnel and 25 Maharashtra Security Force jawans to manage the diversions.” Still, officials warned Monday would be a bigger test.
Dadar’s Tilak Bridge was particularly affected, with bottlenecks stretching up to Maheshwari Udyan in Matunga and Dharavi, as heavy vehicles were rerouted through these areas. Commuters rued the thin presence of traffic personnel and poor coordination, as many vehicles were seen parked haphazardly, worsening the congestion.
The spillover effect from Currey Road extended up to Chinchpokali, while key arteries such as Gokhale Road and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road became virtually unusable. “Bikers zig-zagged through the traffic, making it nearly impossible for four-wheelers to navigate the already cramped Tilak Bridge,” said a commuter.
The bridge is being demolished to make way for a double-decker structure as part of the Sewri-Worli elevated connector project. The first level will replace the Elphinstone Bridge, offering four lanes (two in each direction) connecting Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and Senapati Bapat Road. The second level, also four lanes wide, will link Atal Setu and the Coastal Road.
Nearby residents and commuters called the situation “maddening” and “chaotic,” warning that more strategic planning was needed. With several hospitals, schools, and office complexes in the vicinity, the bottleneck affected not only motorists but also essential services.
Heritage hotels are modern-day reminders of Rajasthan’s regal past, serving as living museums. Imagine staying in India’s first luxury polo resort at Mundota Palace in Jaipur, the timeless Gogunda Palace in Udaipur, or the storied Ajit Bhawan in Jodhpur. These destinations are not just heritage hotels of Rajasthan, they are monuments to exquisite craftwork, featuring meticulously carved jharokhas, intricate latticework, and serene Mughal-inspired gardens.
Also, check out our 10-day Rajasthan itinerary to plan a perfect trip.
From properties perched in the middle of the vast Thar Desert to those hugged by the rugged Aravallis, our guide to heritage hotels in Rajasthan covers it all. The appeal of these hotels is not limited to their artefacts and traditional architecture. It extends to their world-class amenities, unrivalled hospitality, a hyper-local gourmet scene, and luxury that knows no bounds.
Take, for example, the Raj Palace in Jaipur, which has hosted world-famous celebrities for decades. Beyond its chandeliers and in-suite museums, this hotel’s prime location in the heart of the Pink City is another highlight for visitors to Rajasthan. Or consider the warrior fort Alila Fort Bishangarh, which was carved into a granite hill, where an opulent retreat now contrasts a dynamic past of resilience. Another hue of heritage follows with Bikaner’s Lallgarh Palace, where a red sandstone facade featuring Indo-Saracenic architecture promises to capture your imagination.
While most Rajasthan itineraries boast bustling bazaars, restaurant hopping, and fort excursions, staying in a heritage hotel allows you to immerse deeper, time-travel, and luxuriate where the royals once resided. Many of these properties feature courtyards, vibrant frescoes, and intimate cultural performances that elevate the Rajasthan experience.
Top heritage hotels to book in Rajasthan
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Adorned with hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, and well-manicured Mughal lawns, the Rambagh Palace epitomises luxury. Here, savour a meal inside an 18th-century-styled palace ballroom, enjoy a royal carriage ride through the palace, pamper your senses at the J Wellness Circle, or embark on a peacock feather trail. At this property, witness an unmatched tryst with the state’s history by checking into a luxury suite which once served as the Maharaja’s personal chambers.
Mundota Palace, Jaipur
Introducing India’s first luxury polo resort, which features a 14th-century hilltop war fort, private polo grounds, resplendent pavilions, and war fort suites with plunge pools! The 450-year-old palace, featuring Indo-Saracenic architecture, promises a genuine rendezvous with Rajputana heritage. We recommend sampling traditional Rajasthani delicacies, such as The Palace Maharaja Thaali, Khaad Murg, Mundota Laal Maas, Ker Sangari, and Chukandar ka Halwa, at the property’s world-class Baradari Restaurant.
The Raj Palace, Jaipur
Built in 1727, the Raj Palace in Jaipur is the city’s oldest palace. The opulent mahal was originally called ‘The Chaumoo Haveli’, named after the last ruler of Chaumoo, Thakur Raj Singh. Mughal and 17th-century architecture festoon the timeless facade of the property. The palace’s 50 luxe rooms and suites also include ‘museum rooms’ to give discerning tourists a taste of royalty. The latter includes The Maharajah’s Pavilion, the Durbar Mahal (where the court was held), the Swarna Mahal (Golden palace) and the Historical Room, all of which embody bits and pieces of history with in-room museums. Amitabh Bachchan, Fredrick Forsyth, Elaine Page, and Dominique La Pierre are among the global celebrities who’ve either dined or stayed at the property.
- Address The Raj Palace, Jorawar Singh Gate, Amer Rd, Chokdi Gangapol, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
google map
- Website The Raj Palace
- Phone 0141 263 4077
Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur
This 19th-century mansion with regal courtyards, canopied verandahs, and trademark Rajasthani hospitality mirrors the state’s grand Rajput heritage. The property, built in 1892 by the Thakur of Alsisar, flaunts ornate Mughal and Rajput architecture, delighting visitors with surreal latticework, murals, high ceilings, and arches. An immersive experience is promised, thanks to the on-property folk music and dance performances, authentic Rajasthani cuisine, suites with four-poster beds and heritage interiors, and proximity to the Pink City’s icons like Hawa Mahal and City Palace.
Piplia Haveli, Lake Pichola Hotel, Udaipur
Nestled on the serene island of Brahmapuri, on the banks of Lake Pichola, this heritage hotel awaits. Built by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, Piplia Haveli exhibits Rajputana-style furnishing featuring regal arches, high ceilings, and shimmering chandeliers. Make sure to dine at the property’s Upre Restaurant, which overlooks the otherworldly City Palace, Lake Palace, along with drenched ghats and embankments.
Gogunda Palace, Udaipur
The Gogunda Palace, built as part of a war strategy in the 16th century, was surrounded by 15 km of impenetrable forests in the Aravallis. Gogunda Palace was the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, and was ruled by one of the greatest Hindu Rajput Kings, Maharana Pratap Singh. Now a heritage hotel, this time-honoured property offers exclusive experiences like high tea at The Aravalli Chhatri, dining under the stars at the Neem Garden, vintage car rides, and deep-diving into Marwari cuisine through a masterclass with the chef.
Ranbanka Palace, Jodhpur
Translating to ‘the Master of Battles’, Ranbanka is a prestigious honour that was accorded to the ‘Rathores’, the Rajput clan of Jodhpur. Part of the erstwhile palace is open to the public, where they can reminisce about the glory of yesteryears. From picture-perfect views of the blue city and plush rooms across the ‘Heritage Wing’ and ‘Jodhana Wing’ to elaborate Rajasthani meals, Ranbanka Palace justifies ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, traditional Rajasthani style.
Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur
Ajit Bhawan was built in 1927 for Major General Maharaj Dhiraj Sir Shri Ajit Singh Ji, the Prime Minister of the princely state of Jodhpur. A few years hence, in the 1970s, Shri Ajit Singh Ji’s son, Maharaj Swaroop Singh Ji, decided to convert a part of the royal residence into a hotel, and that’s how India’s first heritage hotel was born. Be it tastefully decked rooms mirroring Jodhpur’s regal past, stepwell dinners, or leopard safaris, this property delivers the ultimate royal experience.
- Address Circuit House Rd, Ajit Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
google map
- Website Ajit Bhawan
- Phone 0291 251 3333
Alila Fort Bishangarh
Once a historical 18th-century fort, built by the Shekhawat clan, Alila Fort Bishangarh in the Aravalli hills is a 235-year-old warrior fort turned luxury retreat. From the raw stone walls that welcome you, to decadent interiors inspired by Shahpura heritage, and ultimately the traditional Jaipuri gharana-esque accommodations, this property is a sophisticated nod to Rajasthani heritage. Make sure to dine at Amarsar, the former royal living quarters, where timeless recipes inspired by the Silk Route abound.
Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner
Elevate your Rajasthani getaway by checking into Laxmi Niwas Palace, a 120-year-old property, which was once the residential palace of the king, Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Whether it is Burma teak ceilings, card tables, four-poster beds that adorn the regal rooms, or the Trophy Bar, which houses exclusive spoils from royal hunts, there’s no dearth of royal experiences at this address. We also recommend pre-booking fire dances, ghazal evenings, and kalb elian performances for a top-notch experience.
The Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner
Located in the heart of the Thar Desert, this 19th century residence has carefully restored the royal charm for over a century. The property’s architect, Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, made sure to highlight local Indian accents such as the use of solid red sandstone, cupolas, domes, and intricately carved balconies.
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Ministry of Tourism grants the official approval for hotels and havelis to be included under its ‘heritage accommodations’.
No, heritage status granted to properties is not permanent, and can be revoked if they lose their national importance or become untraceable.
Yes, a privately owned haveli can apply for heritage certification.
Yes, a heritage-tagged hotel undergo modern renovations, provided they comply with the regulations issued by heritage authorities.
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Travel Guides & Articles
IndiGo to launch direct flights between India and Greece from January next year
Gurugram-based airline IndiGo will launch direct flights between India and Greece from January 2026 in a broader move to expand its footprint in Europe, the company announced on Monday, September 15.
Flights will begin after necessary regulatory clearances are obtained.
The first Indian airline to operate direct flights to Greece, it will service the route with Airbus A321XLR, which will be brought to India for the first time by December 2025.
IndiGo will run six weekly flights, including three each from Delhi and Mumbai to Greece’s capital Athens. Passengers will also get convenient access to the famous Greek destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, among others.
Indian tourists to Greece have steadily increased in the last few years and are close to match up with the pre-Covid levels. The government said the number of Indian tourists to Greece increased from 29,523 in 2023 to 37,150 in 2024. In 2019, the number of tourists stood at 39,812.
Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said the airline will increase connectivity to more destinations within Greece.
“This new aviation corridor is a strategic step in IndiGo’s international expansion and aligns perfectly with India’s growing economy and tourism industry. With flight schedules ensuring convenience for travellers, we are confident that this route will further encourage demand for business and leisure travel alike,” Elbers added.
The expected arrival of Airbus A321XLR will fuel Indigo’s ambitions to service more European destinations.
With a range of up to 8,700 km, the aircraft helps maintain cost-efficiency for longer ranges to meet the growing demand for business and leisure travel.
At the same time, Indigo has also been increasing its domestic destinations it serves. Last week, it added Purnea in Bihar as its 94th domestic and 137th overall destination. Direct flights between Kolkata and Purnea begin today, September 15, 2025.
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