Bandra-Worli Sea Link...bridge over troubled water

After several years of delays, const-overruns and controversies, the Bandra-Worli sea link was finally thrown open to the people of Mumbai with much fanfare. A fireworks, lights and laser show, coupled with music, was held on June 29 at the main cable-stayed bridge at the Bandra end.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar threw open the Bandra-Worli Sea Link at a public function held on June 30 at 3.30 pm at the Mhada ground near Rang Sharda. In a move that left everyone bamboozled, Pawar named the Sea Link after late Rajiv Gandhi, kicking up a political controversy in the state.

Mahim Causeway is currently the only route that connects the western suburbs and island city. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link will be the second major route. During peak hours, around 7,000 to 8,000 cars are expected to use the sea link per hour. However, reports said that on the very first day, the bridge was not able to cope with the traffic rush. The first five days were toll-free, leading to a large number of people using the link.

Currently, it takes 35 to 40 minutes to go the 7.7-km distance between Mahim flyover and Love Grove Junction, Worli. Transport experts estimate that traveling the link plus its approach and exit roads, which also measure about 7.7 km, will take at least 25 minutes. The builders claim that traveling the 4.7-km main link will take just 6 minutes. The daily one-way toll for Car or SUV is Rs 50, for Mini bus or mini truck Rs75 and Bus or truck Rs100.

Passes will be given out on a daily and monthly basis. The main link cost Rs7.5bn while the total cost was Rs16.3bn. Initial cost for the main link was Rs4.34bn. Initial deadline was December 2004 (later revised to December 2007 and December 2008). The bridge got completed on April 21, 2009 and all allied work was finished on May 31, 2009.