Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, July 10, 2025, inaugurated the newly constructed Sindoor Bridge in South Mumbai. Formerly known as Carnac Bridge, the structure has now been renamed to commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor, a major military offensive against terror camps in Pakistan.

The decision to rename the historic bridge marks an effort to symbolically wipe away remnants of colonial oppression and honor India’s military valor.

 From Carnac to Sindoor: A Bridge Renamed with National Significance

The newly built bridge, located in the heart of Mumbai, replaces the old Carnac Bridge, which was originally constructed in 1868 and named after James Rivett-Carnac, a British Governor of Bombay from 1839 to 1841. Over the decades, the bridge served as a vital connection between Masjid Bunder and P D Mello Road, playing a crucial role in South Mumbai’s traffic flow.

However, in 2022, the aging structure was declared unsafe after a structural audit and subsequently demolished. The reconstruction of the bridge was completed on June 13, 2025, but it was opened to the public only after the final clearances and ceremonial inauguration on July 10.

 Key Features of the Sindoor Bridge

• Total Length: 328 meters

• Lanes: 4 vehicular lanes (expanded from the previous 2)

• Connectivity: Links the port area to Crawford Market, Kalbadevi, and Dhobi Talao

• Traffic Impact: Expected to reduce congestion in South Mumbai by easing movement near Masjid Bunder and P D Mello Road

 Operation Sindoor: The Inspiration Behind the Renaming

Addressing the public during the inauguration, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the significance of the new name. He stated:

“The bridge has been named Sindoor to mark the success of Operation Sindoor, a bold step by our armed forces to destroy terror camps on foreign soil. The name also symbolizes wiping out the dark chapters of our history associated with colonial rulers like Governor Carnac.”

CM Fadnavis further cited Prabodhankar Thackeray, the social reformer and historian, who documented instances of British oppression in Satara, including alleged conspiracies by Governor Carnac against Chhatrapati Pratap Singh Raje and Rango Bapuji Gupte.

This renaming aims to not just honor a military operation but also to erase colonial legacies that remind citizens of exploitation and subjugation under British rule.

 Historical Context: Who Was Governor Carnac?

James Rivett-Carnac served as the Governor of Bombay Presidency from 1839 to 1841 during the British Raj. The now-demolished Carnac Bridge was named after him during a period when infrastructure and institutions in India were often dedicated to colonial figures.

Prabodhankar Thackeray, in his writings, accused Carnac of plotting against local rulers and being complicit in suppressing indigenous leadership, particularly in Satara — making the name symbolically problematic in post-colonial India.

Political Reactions and Delays

The inauguration comes after criticism from opposition parties over the delay in opening the bridge. Earlier this month, on July 2, workers from Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) protested against the delay in operationalizing the newly constructed structure.

The Mumbai civic body (BMC) responded by citing technical issues, stating that pending approvals from Central Railway and final work on signage and road markings had caused the delay.

Despite the hold-up, the bridge is now fully operational and expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters.

 Urban Development and Legacy Transformation

The Sindoor Bridge is part of a larger urban renewal project aimed at modernizing Mumbai’s aging infrastructure while addressing the colonial undertones of many public landmarks.

Renaming key places is a growing trend across India as part of efforts to reclaim cultural identity, recognize native heroes, and honor contemporary national achievements, such as successful military operations.

?? Symbolism of the Name ‘Sindoor’

The term ‘Sindoor’ carries deep cultural and emotional significance in Indian society. Beyond its reference to the military operation, it also symbolizes sacrifice, commitment, and honor — themes that resonate with the objective of the armed forces and the idea of nation-building.

By renaming the bridge to ‘Sindoor’, the state government has attempted to bridge the gap between India’s historic pain and present-day pride — transforming a physical structure into a symbol of resilience and revival.

The renaming of the Carnac Bridge to Sindoor Bridge is more than just a change in signage — it’s a shift in perspective. It reflects India’s effort to redefine public memory, to move beyond the colonial past, and to embrace a future rooted in national strength, cultural pride, and historical justice.

The Sindoor Bridge now stands as a testament to modern India’s infrastructural growth, military excellence, and the resolve to honor those who shaped the country’s destiny — from freedom fighters to today’s soldiers.