Mumbai: ‘Sindoor Bridge’ Set To Replace 154-Yr-Old Carnac Bridge; CM To Inaugurate On This Date

A significant transformation has taken place in Mumbai’s transport infrastructure as the 154-year-old Carnac Bridge, previously deemed unsafe and demolished, has been reconstructed and renamed ‘Sindoor Bridge’. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the newly built structure pays tribute to India’s recent military success, ‘Operation Sindoor’.

The bridge, situated near Masjid Bunder railway station, links P. D’Mello Road with other major parts of the city. The BMC announced that while the bridge will be opened to the public in the next two days, its formal inauguration is scheduled for 10 am on Thursday, 10 July 2025. The event will witness the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.

Also expected at the inauguration are state Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, MLA Sunil Shinde, and MLA Rajhans Singh.

The reconstruction project was completed within the set timeline under the supervision of BMC Additional Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar and the civic body’s bridges department. The work was wrapped up by 10 June 2025.

The new Sindoor Bridge is expected to greatly ease traffic congestion in South Mumbai and improve connectivity for high-traffic zones like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Masjid Bunder, and Mohammed Ali Road. The bridge is a critical east-west connector and is poised to offer commuters a smooth alternative route.

The original Carnac Bridge was declared structurally unsafe following an audit in November 2022 and was subsequently dismantled. The new design was approved by Central Railway, and the BMC was tasked with the reconstruction.

‘Sindoor Bridge’: Engineering Marvel with Heritage Touch

Technically robust and aesthetically prominent, the Sindoor Bridge stretches 328 metres, including a 70-metre section over the railway track and a 230-metre approach on BMC land. As per BMC details, two massive steel girders—each weighing 550 metric tonnes and measuring 70 metres in length, 26.5 metres in width, and 10.8 metres in height—have been installed.

These girders were successfully mounted during special blocks taken by the railways in October 2024 and January 2025. Installing the 58-metre-long mid-span girder over active railway tracks was termed a significant engineering challenge, executed successfully with expert assistance.

Construction from the foundation to the asphalt surfacing on the eastern side was completed within just four months. A load test was also conducted to confirm the bridge’s strength, durability, and safety parameters.

Once operational, Sindoor Bridge will significantly improve access to key commercial zones in South Mumbai, including Crawford Market, Kalbadevi, and Dhobi Talao. The long-pending east-west traffic flow, which had remained disrupted for nearly a decade, is expected to regain momentum.

The bridge will also help ease congestion at key junctions on P. D’Mello Road—especially at Walchand Hirachand Marg and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg. Other routes expected to see improved flow include Yusuf Meher Ali Road, Mohammed Ali Road, S.V.P. Road, and Qazi Syed Street.

In a nod to Mumbai’s architectural heritage, six stone artefacts from the original Carnac Bridge will be displayed on the new structure. The BMC noted this initiative reflects not only a stride in engineering but also an effort to preserve the city’s cultural legacy.

The civic body confirmed that all necessary technical and safety clearances have been secured. Structural stability and safety certificates, along with a no-objection certificate from the railways, have been obtained. Additionally, all related works including approaches, painting, anti-crash barriers, and signalling have been completed.