The 154-year-old Carnac Bridge in south Mumbai is undergoing extensive reconstruction, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently installing a 516-metric-ton iron girder on the railway's south side. Originally built in 1867, the bridge was deemed unsafe in 2018, prompting this redevelopment. The BMC aims to complete the reconstruction by June 2025, following a meticulous timeline that includes approach road construction and load testing. The project, overseen by senior officials, hinges on timely approvals from Central Railway for railway blocks and related activities.
The reconstruction of the historic Carnac Bridge, a vital connector in south Mumbai near Masjid Bunder Railway Station, is advancing steadily. Recently, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) installed a significant 516-metric-ton iron girder on the railway's southern section, marking a critical milestone in the project. Originally built in 1867, the bridge was declared unsafe in 2018 by IIT Bombay experts, leading to its ongoing redevelopment.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar visited the sitelast week to inspect progress and provide instructions to the chief engineer, deputy chief engineer, and other project staff. Bangar noted that 83% of the spare parts for the opposite side of the girder have been delivered, with the remainder expected by late December 2024. The assembly of these parts is scheduled to conclude by mid-January 2025, followed by a trial run on January 14, 2025. The BMC has requested railway blocks for mid-January to facilitate further installations.
The reconstruction process is divided into phases. The first phase includes completing the pile foundation for approach roads by mid-March 2025, erecting piles by mid-April 2025, and concreting the approach roads by early May 2025. The final load test is planned for early June 2025, with an anticipated opening to traffic by mid-June.
The BMC has also prioritised parallel activities such as installing anti-crash barriers and erecting electricity poles to streamline the timeline. However, adherence to this schedule relies on prompt approvals from Central Railway.
The reconstruction of the Carnac Bridge stands as a testament to the BMC's commitment to addressing Mumbai's infrastructure challenges. With a well-defined schedule and substantial progress already achieved, the project is on track to meet its mid-2025 deadline. However, successful execution will require efficient coordination with Central Railway and strict adherence to timelines. Once completed, the revamped bridge will significantly enhance connectivity and ease traffic flow in key areas of south Mumbai.
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