India, Nov. 15 -- The demolition of the remaining portion of the British-era Elphinstone Bridge may finally begin next week, with Western Railway (WR) expected to give a go-ahead despite its ongoing dispute with the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) over way-leave charges, officials said.

A team comprising WR and MRIDC officials visited the demolition site on Friday afternoon as part of preparatory works to dismantle the western side of the bridge, which falls under WR's jurisdiction.

The 112-year-old bridge was shut to traffic on September 12, after which its approach roads were razed. With the debris now cleared, cranes can be deployed to dismantle the remaining 132-metre stretch that passes above the rai...