Massive 550-metric-ton iron girder shifted to the northern side of the 154-year-old Carnac Bunder bridge |
The BMC successfully shifted a massive 550-metric-ton iron girder to the northern side of the 154-year-old Carnac Bunder bridge early Friday morning. Initially, the operation to shift the girder had commenced on January 26, but technical issues halted progress when just 12 meters remained. However, the civic body coordinated with the Central Railway (CR), securing night blocks this week to resume the work.
With this collaborative effort, the girder was successfully shifted, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing reconstruction project. During a special block, which involved both traffic and power supply interruptions, the civic team of engineers successfully carried out the complex operation of shifting the girder between 1:30 am and 4:00 am on Friday. Despite the challenging circumstances, the team completed the task efficiently within a two-and-a-half-hour window.
The work was overseen by technical experts from M/s Wrights Ltd, following the guidance of CR’s approved plans. The civic body will now proceed with the installation of the girder, once additional blocks are permitted by the railways.
“The 550-metric-ton steel girder was initially moved 9.30 meters in a trial operation on January 14. The final shift of 58 meters was completed overnight between January 25 and 26, but technical difficulties delayed the last 12 meters. Due to the combined efforts of the civic team and CR, the operation was successfully completed on Friday,” said a senior civic official.
Following the installation, work on piling foundations, concrete laying, and load testing will proceed as per schedule. To ensure timely completion, tasks like installing anti-crash barriers and electricity poles will be carried out in parallel. The project is expected to be completed by June 2025.
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. The estimated cost of the bridge is approximately Rs. 49 crores. The new bridge will be 70 meters long and 26.5 meters wide.
