After three years of extensive rebuilding, the historic Carnac Bridge in Mumbai is set to reopen in June, bringing much-needed relief to commuters in South Mumbai. The new steel structure, which replaces the 154-year-old British-era bridge, boasts four lanes—double the capacity of its predecessor—designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity.
The Carnac Bridge, linking Masjid Bunder railway station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), has been a vital route for vehicles heading toward P’D Mello Road for many years. However, the bridge was declared unsafe in 2014 after a structural audit, and was subsequently demolished in 2022. Its closure caused significant traffic disruptions, making its reopening a highly anticipated event.
The new bridge spans 70 meters in length and 9.5 meters in width, with a modern steel superstructure. In addition to wider traffic lanes, the bridge will feature advanced lighting and updated signage for improved safety and navigation.
The reconstruction process faced several delays. Although tenders were first invited in 2016, clearance was hindered by encroachments, including a police chowky, an electricity substation, a temple, and a gymnasium, making the demolition process challenging. After overcoming these obstacles, construction work began, but further delays ensued before the project could proceed.
Despite these setbacks, the Rs 70 crore project is now nearing completion, with the girder launch completed in February and successful trial runs confirming the bridge’s structural integrity. According to Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, the decision was made to open the bridge in its entirety rather than phase by phase to avoid complications in the construction process. Accelerated work in 2024 ensured that the bridge would be fully operational before the monsoon season.
With heavy traffic congestion often affecting South Mumbai, the reopening of the Carnac Bridge is expected to significantly ease travel for daily commuters and businesses reliant on efficient transit.
