The Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the revamped Carnac Bridge in Mumbai, now known as Sindoor Bridge, in honor of Operation Sindoor, a recent military mission against terror camps in Pakistan. The renaming also aims to eliminate the colonial legacy of Governor James Rivett-Carnac, associated with oppression.
Rename and Inauguration of the Bridge
- The newly reconstructed Sindoor Bridge, formerly Carnac Bridge, was opened to the public on July 10, 2025, by CM Devendra Fadnavis.
- The name change to Sindoor Bridge commemorates the bravery of Indian soldiers and eradicates the colonial memory linked to Governor Carnac’s oppressive rule during the British era.
Bridge Construction Details and Delay
- The 328-metre-long Sindoor Bridge features four lanes to alleviate traffic congestion in bustling areas like Crawford Market, Kalbadevi, and Dhobi Talao.
- The old Carnac Bridge, constructed in 1868, was demolished in 2022 due to safety concerns identified in a structural assessment.
- Construction concluded on June 13, 2025, but the opening was postponed due to pending tasks such as signboard installation and obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Central Railway.
Historical Background of Carnac Bridge
- James Rivett-Carnac, the Governor of Bombay from 1839 to 1841, lent his name to the original bridge, a common practice among colonial administrators in India.
- The renaming to Sindoor symbolizes India’s contemporary strength and signifies a break from its colonial history.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- The Carnac Bridge in Mumbai has been renamed Sindoor Bridge to honor Operation Sindoor and remove colonial references.
- The inauguration by CM Devendra Fadnavis on July 10, 2025, marked the official opening of the reconstructed bridge.
- Sindoor Bridge, spanning 328 meters, aims to ease traffic in busy Mumbai areas like Crawford Market and Kalbadevi.
- The construction delay was caused by pending tasks such as signboard installation and obtaining an NOC from the Central Railway.
- The renaming to Sindoor signifies India’s strength and signifies a departure from its colonial past.
