Bandra Worli Sea Link

Before the Bandra Worli Sea Link was built, Mahim Causeway was the only road connecting the western suburbs to Mumbai's central business district. This led to the north-southwestern corridor becoming highly congested during peak hours. To solve this problem, the Western Freeway project was conceptualized and the Bandra Worli Sea Link was the first phase of the project aimed at providing an alternative route to the Mahim Causeway.

The foundation stone of the bridge was laid down in the year 1999 by Bal Thackrey. The estimated cost of the project was INR 6.6 billion and was supposed to be completed in a time period of five years. However, the project lost its momentum when it was subjected to numerous public interest litigations. A five-year delay ensued which increased the cost of the bridge to INR 16 billion. The Bandra Worli Sea Link saw completion in the year 2009 - 2010.

Bandra Worli Sea Link is one of the modern architectural spectacles of India which was built by Hindustan Construction Company, a project initiated by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). This architectural marvel was built by a joint effort of engineers from India, Egypt, China, Canada, Switzerland, Britain, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Serbia. Interestingly, Bandra Worli Sea Link was the first cable-stayed bridge to have been constructed over the open Indian seas.

Opened for the public in June 2009, this link comprises of pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts on either side, which are heaviest precast segments to be built in India. Due to the geology of the seabed, the pylon towers used in the bridge have a unique and complex geometry while the main span of the structure is the longest concrete deck to have been attempted successfully. The largest pylon to have been used here measures at 128 metres with gradually decreasing heights as we move away. The Bandra Worli Sea Link is the first project in Mumbai which has been constructed using seismic arresters, making it resistant to earthquakes measuring up to 7.0 on the Richter scale.

The construction of the bridge reduced the travel time to 7-10 minutes which used to take 45-60 minutes earlier. Inaugurated by UPA chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, this Sea Link plays a big role in the progress of making Mumbai a world-class city. Apart from reducing the travel time between Bandra and Worli tremendously, it was also proposed to link the western suburbs of Mumbai with Nariman Point, the main business centre. Visit this wonder to admire its might. 

The best time to enjoy a ride at this man-made marvel is during the day time when one can drive smoothly on the link with a clear view of the sea below.

1. Follow the speed limit prescribed for individual vehicles and other rules set by the authority.
2. This wonderful engineering project of Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a great object to shoot for photographers. The best time to do that is during the night time when the bridge is all lit up.

It is easy to reach the link from either side of it. Bandra serves as the nearest bus depot (2km) and Bandra Railways Station serves as the nearest railway station (5 km) to the link. Other than that taxi and auto-rickshaws are also easily available.