Heavy police security was deployed at South Mumbai’s newly rebuilt Carnac bridge on Tuesday, as tensions flared over unexplained delays in opening the bridge for traffic.
Congress MLA Amin Patel raised the issue in the state legislative assembly, questioning why citizens continue to suffer despite the bridge being structurally ready. The Free Press Journal had reported on July 1 that the bridge was completed weeks ago, but the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is awaiting a formal nod from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to open it.
The delay has prompted Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders to announce protests if the bridge is not opened immediately. Huge police contingents were seen stationed at P D’Mello Road, near the bridge, as both parties threatened agitation. Assistant Commissioner of Police conducted a walk-through from P D’Mello Road to Masjid Bunder to assess security arrangements.
Locals have been forced to take lengthy detours since the closure of the British-era bridge, declared structurally unsafe after an audit. Reconstruction was completed by June 10, with load tests finished by June 15 and railway clearances received by June 24.
Frustrated citizens are questioning whether the BMC is stalling for a VIP inauguration, as the bridge remains barricaded despite all technical and administrative clearances.
