CM Fadnavis Inaugurates ‘Sindoor Bridge’, Erasing Colonial Legacy of Karnak

Rebuilt bridge to ease traffic near CST; renamed to honour India’s military strength and remove symbols of oppression

Mumbai : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis officially inaugurated the newly reconstructed ‘Sindoor Bridge’ in South Mumbai, formerly known as the Karnak Bridge, marking a significant step in erasing colonial-era remnants. Located near Masjid Bunder Railway Station and connecting to P.D’Mello Road, the bridge’s renaming and rebuilding aim to symbolise national pride and honour India’s armed forces.

Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis stated, “The Karnak Bridge bore the name of a British Governor associated with deception and exploitation of Indians. By renaming it ‘Sindoor’, we are removing those black marks of history.” The new name honours Operation Sindoor, a critical mission during which the Indian Army destroyed terrorist hideouts across the Pakistan border following the Pahalgam attack.

“In this Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged us to erase colonial imprints. This bridge renaming reflects that vision,” the Chief Minister added. He praised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for completing the complex reconstruction in a congested area within a short time, making the bridge ready for public use from 3 PM today.

Key Highlights of Sindoor Bridge:

• Total length: 342 meters, with 70 meters falling under the railway zone.
• Designed as a vital east-west connector for areas near CST, Masjid Bunder, and Mohammed Ali Road.
• Built as per the design approved by Central Railway.
• Reconstruction revives east-west connectivity, which had been disrupted for nearly a decade.
• Expected to ease traffic congestion at key junctions like Walchand Hirachand Marg and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg.
• Will also help streamline traffic on Yusuf Meher Ali Road, Mohammed Ali Road, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road, and Qazi Syed Street.

The event was attended by Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly Rahul Narwekar, Ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Narendra Patil, MLAs Manisha Kayande and Raj Purohit, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and other senior officials.