Mumbai bid farewell to the final span of the century-old Elphinstone Bridge on Sunday, as demolition cleared the way for a modern double-deck connector. Yet, even as the physical structure disappears, efforts have ensured that key elements of its legacy will endure. The bridge’s historic plaques are set to be incorporated into the design of the new structure, preserving a tangible link to the past.
Working quietly behind the scenes, Sanjay Adhav from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Heritage Cell played a crucial role in safeguarding the bridge’s basalt stones and arches. With support from MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, who facilitated funding, Adhav coordinated with multiple agencies, including MMRDA and the Railways. A team led by conservation architect Rahul Chemburkar meticulously documented and numbered each stone before dismantling.
This initiative mirrors earlier conservation efforts in the city, such as repurposing pillars from the old Reay Road bridge at August Kranti Maidan. According to Adhav, “Stones and arches saved from Elphinstone bridge will be used appropriately for heritage conservation of old buildings and city infrastructure, while the plaques will be embedded in the new design of the bridge, and conservation architects are working on this.”
Preserving the engraved foundation stones required detailed planning and coordination between civic authorities and consultants. A specialised agency handled their careful removal, ensuring they were returned safely to Central Railway officials.
Historians and conservationists have welcomed the move. “Elphinstone Bridge was built at a time when Mumbai was growing. See how it stood the test of time. The stone-carved plaques are still in a good state. It’s good to know that they have been saved,” said Deepak Rao.
While redevelopment signals progress, many believe these preservation efforts strike a balance between modernization and memory, ensuring that fragments of Mumbai’s rich history continue to endure.
Source: Mid-day
