Mumbai: After ten years of construction through controversial phases and delays, Mumbai's residents breathed a huge sigh of relief with the opening of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) on Tuesday.
India's first bridge across the sea and the longest cable-stayed project in the country will help motorists from the western suburbs zip through the 5.7-kilometre BWSL in less than 10 minutes to get to Worli, from where office-goers head to the business district in south Mumbai.
The eight-lane link will be the first of Mumbai's other bridges to come up in future along the sea - Worli to Haji Ali, Haji Ali to Nariman Point in the south and Bandra to Versova in the north.
As of now, only one carriageway of four lanes will be thrown open to the public since the other is still under construction.
Vimaltai Mundada, Minister of Public Works Department, described the technology of the Rs16.34 billion (Dh1.25 billion) bridge as "unique" in the country and "a testimony to the Maharashtra government's determination to build state-of-the-art infrastructure in Mumbai".
This project by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has been designed by Dar Consultants, UK, and built by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC).
Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman and Managing Director, HCC, remarked at a press conference on Monday how constructing a bridge across the sea was one of the major challenges for his company.
"Reflecting on the hard work of our engineers and over 3,000 workers who have raised the sea link in rough open sea conditions, I am proud to say we have truly built a monument to human skills, enterprise and determination."
The highlight of the BWSL are the two aesthetically-designed cable-stayed bridges of 500 and 150-metre spans with the highest tower soaring to 126 metres, equivalent to the height of a 43-storied building whilst its weight is equivalent to 50,000 African elephants.
Mumbai's newest landmark after the Gateway offers a great view from the Bandra side. The Mahim bay, the skyline of central Mumbai and the illuminated bridge are expected to attract even more strollers in the evenings.
Landscaping along the approaches and waterfront promenade is expected to enhance the surroundings.
On the security front, cameras will be fitted on the underbelly of the bridge to keep a watch on the movement of boats and ships.
The toll charges to use the bridge is Rs50 for cars, Rs75 for mini buses and mini trucks and Rs100 for buses and trucks.
India's first bridge across the sea and the longest cable-stayed project in the country will help motorists from the western suburbs zip through the 5.7-kilometre BWSL in less than 10 minutes to get to Worli, from where office-goers head to the business district in south Mumbai.
The eight-lane link will be the first of Mumbai's other bridges to come up in future along the sea - Worli to Haji Ali, Haji Ali to Nariman Point in the south and Bandra to Versova in the north.
As of now, only one carriageway of four lanes will be thrown open to the public since the other is still under construction.
Vimaltai Mundada, Minister of Public Works Department, described the technology of the Rs16.34 billion (Dh1.25 billion) bridge as "unique" in the country and "a testimony to the Maharashtra government's determination to build state-of-the-art infrastructure in Mumbai".
This project by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has been designed by Dar Consultants, UK, and built by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC).
Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman and Managing Director, HCC, remarked at a press conference on Monday how constructing a bridge across the sea was one of the major challenges for his company.
"Reflecting on the hard work of our engineers and over 3,000 workers who have raised the sea link in rough open sea conditions, I am proud to say we have truly built a monument to human skills, enterprise and determination."
The highlight of the BWSL are the two aesthetically-designed cable-stayed bridges of 500 and 150-metre spans with the highest tower soaring to 126 metres, equivalent to the height of a 43-storied building whilst its weight is equivalent to 50,000 African elephants.
Mumbai's newest landmark after the Gateway offers a great view from the Bandra side. The Mahim bay, the skyline of central Mumbai and the illuminated bridge are expected to attract even more strollers in the evenings.
Landscaping along the approaches and waterfront promenade is expected to enhance the surroundings.
On the security front, cameras will be fitted on the underbelly of the bridge to keep a watch on the movement of boats and ships.
The toll charges to use the bridge is Rs50 for cars, Rs75 for mini buses and mini trucks and Rs100 for buses and trucks.
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