Mumbai: The BMC has successfully conducted a trial run, shifting the 550-metric-ton iron girder on the northern side by 9.30 meters within its jurisdiction as part of the reconstruction of the 154-year-old Carnac Bunder Bridge.
The further shifting of the girder will take place within a five-hour window, for which the civic body is now awaiting the 'block' announcement from Central Railway (CR) authorities to proceed with the next phase of the operation.
The Carnac Bunder ROB, connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Masjid Bunder, was demolished in 2022. However, its reconstruction has faced delays due to ongoing work on the Hancock Bridge and encroachments. After assembling approximately 550-metric tons of iron girders for the northern side of the bridge, the BMC successfully carried out a trial run on Tuesday.
"Shifting the girder is a highly technical and challenging task, for which specialized experts are being consulted. We have requested the CR authorities for a 'block' to proceed with the installation of the girder within the railway portion of the bridge. Once the railway 'block' is granted, the next phase of the girder installation will be completed," said a senior civic official.
After the completion of the girder installation on the railway, work on the first phase of the piling foundation for the east and west approach roads is expected to be completed by March 15, 2025. This will be followed by the erection of pillars, scheduled for completion by April 17, 2025. The concreting of the approach roads is set to be finished by May 3, 2025, with load testing planned for June 1, 2025.
"We have set a deadline to make the Carnac Bridge operational for traffic by June 5, 2025. However, securing the railway block is crucial for the timely progress of construction. Additionally, to minimise delays, parallel activities such as the installation of anti-crash barriers and electrical poles will be carried out simultaneously with the main construction works," said an official. The estimated cost of the bridge is approximately Rs. 49 crores. The new bridge will be 70 meters long and 26.5 meters wide.
