June 18, 2025: A new steel bridge linking Masjid and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) stations is set to open to the public early next week, subject to final approvals from the traffic police and Indian Railways. The structure, designed to improve traffic flow towards P D’Mello Road, replaces the 154-year-old Carnac Bridge, which was dismantled in November 2022 due to safety concerns.
As a gesture to honour the city’s maritime heritage, six original basalt stones from the old bridge—engraved in multiple languages and dating back to 1858 and 1868—will be reinstated on the new structure. These historical markers, discovered during the demolition process, reflect the region’s rich trading legacy.
The Rs 60-crore reconstruction project, which had been delayed for over six years due to encroachments and utility-related challenges, has now reached its final phase. The new bridge spans 70 metres in length and 9.5 metres in width, offering four lanes instead of the former two—effectively doubling the traffic capacity.
Equipped with modern features such as advanced signage and LED lighting, the bridge aims to enhance both safety and visibility for commuters. Load tests have been successfully completed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and only regulatory approvals remain before it is officially opened.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar noted that the bridge would significantly ease congestion in South Mumbai and enhance commute times. Despite early hurdles, the project reflects a blend of infrastructural advancement and cultural respect—bringing together progress and preservation in the heart of the city.
Source: The Free Press Journal
