Mumbai: After multiple delays, two crucial connectors—Carnac Bunder in South Mumbai and the Vikhroli Bridge in the eastern suburbs—have finally entered the last stage of completion. The BMC is working closely with the traffic police, and both bridges are expected to open to vehicular traffic by mid-June, offering much-needed relief to daily commuters.
Built in 1868, the Carnac Bunder bridge is a key connector between South Mumbai and the eastern suburbs, linking to the Eastern Freeway and Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. Closed to heavy vehicles since 2014 due to structural concerns, the Carnac Bridge’s reconstruction faced repeated delays, mainly due to the ongoing Hancock Bridge work and local encroachments. Recently, the BMC imposed a fine of Rs 1.80 crore on the contractor for delays in girder delivery.
Carnac bunder bridge | File Image
At present, the approach roads and deck slab on the west side of the Carnac Bridge are complete. On the east side, 40 of the 80 meters of deck slab are done and curing is in progress, with early-strength concrete used for the rest to finish curing by June 5. Anti-crash barriers are being installed in the railway zone. Abhijeet Bangar, additional municipal commissioner (projects) said, "Final works such as painting, signage, lighting, and road markings will be completed by June 10. A load test will be conducted to assess the bridge’s strength, stability, and safety."
The construction of another east-west connector at Vikhroli, designed to link Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (LBS Road) and the Eastern Express Highway (EEH), is set to complete by May 31. While work on the eastern side is completed, mastic asphalt is ongoing on the west. Installation of anti-crash and noise barriers is nearly complete, with painting and electric pole setup underway. “To reduce the steep slope at the western end connecting to LBS Road and prevent accidents, concrete filling was done and will cure by May 30. The bridge will be ready by May 31,” added Bangar.
