July 11, 2025: Mumbai’s crucial transport corridor—formerly known as Carnac Bridge—has officially reopened under a new identity: Sindoor Bridge. The renamed structure, which commemorates a recent military operation, is intended to shed colonial-era associations and embody a modern, nationalistic ethos.
The original bridge, built in 1868 and named after a British governor, was closed in 2022 following a structural audit that deemed it unsafe. The new 328-metre-long bridge features four vehicular lanes, doubling the capacity of its predecessor. It connects the Masjid area to P D Mello Road, significantly easing congestion in densely packed commercial zones like Crawford Market, Kalbadevi, and the Mumbai port area.
The three-year reconstruction faced delays owing to pending signage and final clearances from rail authorities. Earlier this month, public frustration mounted as the completed structure remained closed. It was soon after made operational following mounting pressure.
The renaming to ‘Sindoor Bridge’ is part of a broader movement across India to revise colonial-era nomenclature. Officials stated that the new name honours a successful military campaign and is designed to instil national pride. Historians have noted that the original British namesake was associated with conspiracies against Indian rulers, prompting calls for change.
Authorities claim the renaming is not merely symbolic but aligns with efforts to culturally reclaim public spaces. Similar drives have seen roads, railway stations, and other infrastructure renamed to reflect indigenous heritage or recent national achievements.
The opening of Sindoor Bridge is expected to drastically cut travel times and reduce bottlenecks in South Mumbai. As both a logistical upgrade and a cultural statement, the bridge now stands as a testament to infrastructure modernisation and the city’s evolving narrative.
Source: Urban Acres
