The newly reconstructed Bellasis Road bridge at Mumbai Central has become the subject of a renaming proposal even before its official opening. The bridge, which connects Nagpada and Tardeo, was rebuilt by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after the old British-era structure was declared unsafe. The reconstruction was completed in a record time of just over 15 months, and the bridge is currently awaiting final clearance from traffic authorities.
Maharashtra minister and local MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha has written to the BMC administration proposing that the bridge be renamed after Jagannath Shankarseth, popularly known as Nana Shankarseth. In his proposal, Lodha highlighted Shankarseth’s immense contribution to Mumbai’s early development, noting that his philanthropic and civic efforts played a key role in shaping the city into a major commercial and economic centre.
However, the proposal has raised an administrative challenge, as a flyover in Dadar is already named after Nana Shankarseth. According to BMC norms, the same name is generally not allotted to multiple bridges or flyovers, and civic officials are now examining how to address this issue while considering the proposal.
The original Bellasis Bridge was more than 130 years old and formed a vital east–west link in South Mumbai. Its reconstruction was undertaken on priority due to safety concerns, and once opened, the new bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion between Mumbai Central, Nagpada, and Tardeo.
The final decision on the bridge’s name will be taken by the BMC after completing the required administrative and procedural formalities.
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