Carnac Bridge Nears Completion: BMC Successfully Launches 550-Ton Girder

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) successfully completed the girder launching of the Carnac Bridge early on Friday morning, marking an important milestone in the bridge's reconstruction. The bridge is expected to be fully completed before the upcoming monsoon season.

The process of shifting the 550-metric-ton girder had begun earlier, but technical difficulties caused a delay on Sunday, with only 12 metres remaining. The shift resumed on Friday during a special block between 1.30 am and 4 am when railway traffic and power supply were temporarily suspended to ensure the smooth movement of the girder.

A BMC official confirmed the completion of the challenging task, saying, "The 550-metric-ton northern girder of the Carnac Bridge, which connects P D'Mello Road near Masjid railway station, has been successfully shifted in the railway section."

The Carnac Bridge plays a crucial role in traffic movement around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Masjid Bunder, and Mohammad Ali Road. Earlier this year, on January 14, a trial shifting of the girder within BMC limits was carried out, covering 9.30 metres. The original bridge was demolished in 2022, with the new construction underway since then. The demolition took 27 hours, during which railway traffic between CSMT and Wadala was shut down. The BMC has assured that the bridge will be fully operational by June 2025.

Following the girder placement, a detailed plan has been laid out for the remaining construction phases, which include:

1. Foundation work: Pile foundation for approach roads in both eastern and western directions.
2. Concrete work: Completion of the approach roads.
3. Load testing: Ensuring the structural integrity of the bridge.

"If all tasks proceed as planned, the Carnac Bridge will be open for traffic by June 2025," said the BMC official. Additionally, the installation of anti-crash barriers, streetlights, and other related works will be completed to avoid any further delays.