Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai

Bandra Worli Sea Link which is also known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link is a world-famous bridge that is lying on cables and is held with eight lanes. It was the primary project developed by the government of Maharashtra which is commenced by the freeway system of West Island.

Description:

The glorious beauty of the blue watered Mahim Bay is overlooked by the splendid architecture of Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai. There is no doubt that this man-made marvel is an iconic natural beauty. While passing through the bridge, your windows should be wide open.

Traveler Tips:

When your eyes are stuck to the wonderful creation, the sea breeze should pass through your hair. This manifestation of Mumbai city makes the most special appeal from the elevation of the Bandra Worli Sea Link. So, you should go there to take some candid shots including selfies with the bridge of Mumbai's glory.

You need to strictly follow the speed limit and other rules set by the Link authority.

Things to Do:

Though the glamour and beauty of Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai oversees the beauty of Worli Bridge, you can visit both and the park nearby. You can better visit the bridge at night in the moonlight when the artificial twinkling lights on the bridge adorn it.

History:

Before the construction of Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai, the only road to connect all the western outskirts of Mumbai to the central district was Mahim Causeway. This was the reason for congestion in the north-south-western strip of Mumbai, especially during office hours. To solve the issue, the conceptualization of the project of Western freeway took place. Bandra Worli Sea Link was its first phase for providing a substitute roadway for the Mahim Causeway.

Bal Thackrey laid the foundation stone in 1999. The primary estimation made for the construction of the entire Bandra Worli Sea Link was around 6.6 billion Indian rupees. The estimation for completion of the project was targeted for the next five years. Though, the project stopped in between and faced several litigations due to public interest. All these caused the project another 5-year delay. But this has increased the budget too. From 6.6 billion, it reached the bar of 16 billion. Finally, during the period of 2009-2010, the bridge finished its construction.

Architecture:

Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai is counted among those couple of bridges that are constructed with cable-stayed architecture. It is developed with pre-stressed viaducts which are made up of concrete and steel, to hold the bridge still in its place for long. It is spanned surrounding the coastline arch of Mumbai city. The architecture is known as a wonderful creation by civil engineers, which is a reflection of the city’s contemporary infrastructure.

It got open in 2009 for the public. It uses the heaviest precast sections which have ever been used in India. Keeping the seabed geology in mind, engineers used a complex and unique geometry for the pylon towers in the construction of the bridge. This was aiming to successfully achieve the desired structure of the concrete deck which is the longest in India. It is the sole project in Mumbai that witnessed the use of seismic arresters. This is why Bandra Worli Sea Link can withstand earthquakes up to 7.0 on the Richter scale.

Best Time to Visit:

I would suggest having a drive through this marvel creation during the sunlight. This way, you can get a better view of the link as well as the below seawater.

How to Reach:

Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai is easily reachable from both sides. You reach by bus close to it. Get down at the Bandra bus depot, which only 2 km away from the link. Other ways, you can also board a train to get down at Bandra railway station, which is 5 km away from the link. Hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach your destination.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About:

The project was undertaken by Hindustan Construction Company. MSRDC (Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation) took the initiation of the project. In fact, to materialize the entire structure, a joint venture happens between the engineers of Hong Kong, Switzerland, China, India, Singapore, Canada, Britain, Serbia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Bandra Worli Sea Link is the open first cable hanged construction on any Indian sea.

The bridge is built so toughly that it can provide more than 37000 vehicles every day. The route is the best way to reduce the traveling time between Bandra and Worli, the two places of Mumbai. The architectural beauty of the bridge lies in its engineering technology that complements the background sea on which it is standing proudly.

It reduced the travel time to 7 – 10 minutes which was before around 45 – 60 minutes.

It links the Nariman Point, which is the business hub of the city, to the western suburbs of Mumbai.

FAQ:

Where to visit in Mumbai nearby Bandra Worli Sea Link?

• Siddhivinayak Temple

• Worli Sea Face

• Bandra Fort

• Dadar Chowpatty Beach

• Play The Lounge

• Smaaash

• Shiro