Weather :

Label : Must Visit

Tags : Bridge

Timings : Throughout the day

Time Required : 1 hour

Entry Fee : Car: INR 55 - INR 137.50,
Tempo and LCV: INR 80 - INR 200,
Heavy Vehicles: INR 110 - INR 175

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Also Refered As:

Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link

Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai Overview

Officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, this eight-lane cable-stayed bridge in Mumbai is the first project initiated by Maharashtra Government that commences West Island Freeway System. Bandra Worli Sea Link is one of the few bridges that is a cable-stayed with pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts to hold it in place. Spanning across the arc of Mumbai's coastline, this sea link is a civil engineering wonder that reflects the modern infrastructure of the city of Mumbai. The bridge is designed to cater around 37,500 vehicles per day while reducing the time travel between Bandra and Worli by a big margin. The beauty of the Bandra Worli Sea Link is in its engineering genius which compliments the sea that it is built over.

Overlooking the magnificent blue waters of Mahim Bay, this splendid architecture is a mighty sight to behold. Undeniably, the Bandra Worli Sea Link is an amalgamation of natural beauty and man-made marvel. Roll your windows down as you whizz past the bridge and let the salty sea breeze run through your hair. The spectacle of Mumbai is especially appealing from the elevation of the bridge and makes it the perfect destination to capture a few candid shots of the city in all its glory. Bandra Worli Sea Link also overlooks the Worli Bridge and has a small park located nearby. The beauty of this attraction is enhanced during the night when twinkling lights adorn the bridge.<br>

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History of 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.

Architecture of Bandra Worli Sea Link

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. 

Best Time To Visit Bandra Worli Sea Link

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.

Tips For Visiting Bandra Worli Sea Link

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.

How To Reach Bandra Worli Sea Link

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.

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