Bandra Worli Sea Link
Link means connection and the Bandra Worli Sea link is the connection between Bandra and Worli in the city of Mumbai. It is actually a concrete steel cable breeze that links Worli in southern Mumbai with that of Bandra in Western Suburbs. The 5.6 km long bridge has been constructed over the Mahim Bay. The bridge is also called Rajiv Gandhi sea link and is the first to conduct Island Freeway system. The architecture reflects the modern infrastructure of Mumbai. Almost 37,500 vehicles go through the crossway on a daily basis. It is a magnificent sight to watch the splendid structure overlooking the Mahim Bay Blue Water. Artificial and natural beauty has adorned it altogether. This bridge must be included in your tour list if you want to capture some candid shots of Mumbai. The beauty of the beach can be well enhanced from a park situated nearby. It looks more magnificent at night beautifies with twinkling lights.
History of Bandra Worli Sea Link
It was the responsibility of Hindustan Construction Company and was designed by Seshadri Srinivasan in the year 2000. The building process continued for 10 years and got its final shape in 2010. Although the first four lanes out of eight were opened on 30th June, 2009 and public started using it from then. The full eight lanes were finally opened 24th March, 2010. Bandra and Worli are already connected but it used to take much time to reach each other. Previously the Mahim Causeway was the only route to link Worli and Bandra which used to get maximum traffic at peak hours. Therefore to reduce the traffic problem the Bandra Worli sea link was built that minimized congestion. After the construction of the bridge it takes just 10 minutes to reach Bandra from Worli and vice-versa instead of 30 minutes through Mahim Causeway. The full length of the bridge could be viewed from Dadar Chowpatty and Bandra Fort.
Before the commencement of the bridge design the seabed under the route that was planned were conducted and inspected nicely to confirm its strength to hold the bridge. It was the first cable- stayed bridge to be built over the sea in the whole country. The geology conducted was complex that led to such a heavy composite structure. The main span is the largest concrete deck ever attempted. It was the first project in the state that used seismic arrestors.
The bridge can be reached either from Worli or from Bandra. The nearest bus stop is Bandra which is 2 km away. The closest railway hub is Bandra railway station which is located at a distance of 5 km from the link. Auto rickshaws and taxis pass through the spot everyday and you should come here at the day time when there is less congestion and you can drive slowly in order to view the beauty of the bridge properly with the blue sea on its background.