A major milestone has finally been reached in the reconstruction of Mumbai’s Carnac Railway Flyover, after years of uncertainty and delays.

The first girder has been successfully installed by the Central Railway Administration and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), giving residents a glimmer of hope that the long-awaited project is back on track.

According to Indian Express, the first girder was installed during special blocks on October 19 and 20, marking a long-overdue step in the right direction.

During a three-hour block on the Central Railway line in the early hours of those two days, the first girder — a steel structure weighing 550 metric tons — was positioned. Despite this stage being completed, concerns remain about whether the remaining tasks will be finished by the updated deadlines. The project’s completion date was originally set for 2022, but the BMC has now rescheduled it for the end of 2024.

The Carnac Flyover, situated near Masjid Bandar Railway Station, connects key areas of South Mumbai, such as Mohammad Ali Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Originally constructed during the colonial era, the flyover has been in poor condition for many years, and technical difficulties coupled with bureaucratic obstacles have led to repeated postponements of the reconstruction.

In 2017, the Carnac Flyover — once a crucial route for travellers and businesses — was deemed unsafe. However, the project has faced ongoing challenges despite numerous assessments and plans. Businesses and commuters reliant on this vital road expressed frustration when the initial repair plans were unveiled in 2019, with little progress made.

Funding issues, obtaining permissions from various organisations, and the complexities of operating in a densely populated urban area like South Mumbai all contributed to the delays. Although work finally began in earnest last year, the project has progressed slowly after several missed deadlines.

The flyover’s historical significance lies in its proximity to important commercial sites in Mumbai. Originally built to facilitate the movement of cargo between the city’s docks and commercial areas, it has now become an essential route for thousands of commuters.

Over time, however, traffic congestion worsened due to its deteriorating condition, prompting the BMC to declare it unsafe and in need of reconstruction.

Additionally, the installation of the second girder is scheduled before the end of the year, and the BMC has emphasised that the project is back on track.