Bandra Worli Sea Link Mumbai is officially called the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link. It is the first project put in place by the Maharashtra government that starts off the West Island Freeway System.
The Bandra Worli Sea Link is an eight-lane cable-stayed bridge located in Mumbai, and it is one of the few bridges in Mumbai that are cable-stayed using pre-stressed concrete-steel ramps purposely to hold the bridge steady.
The bridge passes over Mumbai’s coastline arc; the Sea Link is the top civil engineering unique thing reflecting the actual meaning of modern infrastructure in Mumbai.
The bridge’s design is meant to serve approximately 37,500 cars daily, reducing the total time spent traveling between Bandra and Worli by a massive margin.
You need to know what makes the bridge more beautiful than any other one; it is the engineering knowledge applied to its construction as it compliments and highly recognizes the sea the bridge has been built over.
If you have been to this place, you can tell the beauty that comes with the knowledge and sea complimenting.
While here, you should not miss seeing; the heartwarming Mahim Bay Blue Waters, a form of actual splendid architecture you will never forget in your whole life.
To make it straightforward, we can say that the Bandra-Worli combines natural beauty and human knowledge in appreciating nature and making lives easier.
Passing through the bridge gives you a fantastic feeling; roll down your window, and the salty sea water will provide you with a breeze you need to feel in heaven as it runs through your hair to give you satisfaction.
From the Bandra-Worli Bridge, you will get to capture the best views of the city of Mumbai. In addition, it will keep you yearning for more as it will be your favorite destination; a small park is situated across the bridge, enhancing the beauty of the whole place and view.
You can get the best beautiful views of the place, especially at night, as twinkling lights decorate the bridge.
History of the Sea link
Before they constructed the Bandra-Worli Bridge Sea Link, only one road connected the western suburbs to the central business district of Mumbai, the Mahim Causeway.
This is why the north-southwestern corridor was highly congested in those early days, especially at peak hours.
This huge problem needed to be resolved; therefore, the Maharashtra government conceptualized the Western Freeway Project.
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link became the first phase project, aiming to provide another route leading to the Mahim Causeway.
The bridge construction began in 1999 when Bal Thackery laid the stone foundation.
It was estimated to cost an amount of INR 6.6 billion, expected to be completed after five years. Did this happen? No, the project lost its thrust because it got subjected to several public interest litigations.
This led to something worse than expected; the project was delayed for five years, which increased the total approximated money. It shoots from INR 6.6 billion to INR 16 billion.
The bridge’s construction was completed in 2009-2010, and Sonia Gandhi inaugurated it.
Interesting facts about the Sea link
The following are the most exciting facts about Bandra-Worli Sea Link you didn’t know about that you should know:
- Its official name is Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link which is in memory of the late Indian prime minister. Still, many people usually refer to it as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
- The sea link is an artificial engineering marvel that is very heavy, and its weight is approximately equivalent to the weight of 50,000 African elephants.
- It is the first eight-lane freeway in India that has been built over the sea.
- The bridge is as long as 63 times Qutub Minar’s height; it is 126 meters high and 66 feet wide. The sea link’s highest Python tower if of 128 meters high.
- On June 30, 2009, only four lanes among the eight were opened, while the other four were opened on March 24, 2010, meaning the link fully started operating in 2010.
- The sea link is essential in reducing the travel time from Bandra to Worli at peak hours from 60 to 90 minutes to 20 to 30 minutes.
- During the first 30 days of opening the vehicles, toll charges were waived; however, after the 30 days, the costs were put to Rs 60, making them the highest toll charges ever in India.
- The Sea Link’s foundation stone was put in place by BAL Thickery in 1999, and the bridge was inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi, the UPA Chairperson, on June 30, 2009, in Mumbai.
- The Sea Link took ten years to complete, opposite the predicted and expected five years. The public interest litigations are the leading cause of this delay, as most fishers and environmentalists were against the idea of building the bridge. Still, the supreme court gave a final order that favored its construction.
- Seshadri Srinivas finalized the bridge’s design; he is behind various architectural marvels in India. He is also the designer of Mumbai’s JJ flyover and Mecca’s Jamarat Bridge.
- The bridge was initially estimated to cost 6.6 billion, but it turned out to be three times higher than this at its completion.
- Indian engineers did not complete the bridge construction but with a group of engineers from other countries such as Indonesia, Canada, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore, Britain, Serbia, Philippines, and Thailand.
- The Bandra-Worli Sea Link uses 1,000 KW of power each day which could meet the electricity needs of 100 households in India.
How many sea links are there in Mumbai?
India has five sea links: the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Pamban Rail Bridge- Palk Strait, Pamban Road Bridge- Palk Strait, Vashi Bridge- Thane Creek, and Airoli Bridge – Thane Creek. These sea links are essential because the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal surround India.
What are the toll charges to use this bridge?
The Maharashtra State Road Development must collect the toll fare of every journey, a return, or a monthly pass for any vehicle that crosses the Bandra Worli Sea Link up to 2052. Moreover, after every three years, these toll charges get upgraded; the updated toll fares as of 2018 are as follows:
• For single journeys, SUVs and cars should pay Rs. 70, Light Commercial Vehicles and Tempo pay Rs.110, and trucks and buses deliver Rs.145.
• For two-way Toll charges, SUVs and cars to pay Rs.105, Light Commercial Vehicles and Tempo to pay Rs.165, and trucks and buses Rs. 215
• For monthly journeys, SUVs and cars pay Rs. 3,500, Light Commercial Vehicles and Tempo INR 5500, and trucks and buses to be charged Rs. 7250.
The architecture of Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai
Bandra-Worli Sea Link is among India’s few modern architectural landmarks that the Hindustan Construction Company constructed. This important project was started by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Most people do not know that the architectural marvel was constructed by efforts brought together by engineers from different countries, including India, Indonesia, Canada, Egypt, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Serbia, the Philippines, and China.
Do you know what is more attractive? This became the first cable-stayed bridge ever built over the Indian open seas.
In June 2009, the bridge was officially opened to the public; it is made with pre-stressed concrete-steel ramps on both sides, thus making them the heaviest precast segments ever constructed in India.
The seabed’s geology is the reason for the unique pylon towers with special and complicated geometry, thus making it the most extended concrete deck ever constructed successfully.
The enormous tower used in this bridge is 128 meters, and the height decreases as they move away. In addition, this became the first project in Mumbai to be built with seismic arresters, thus resistant to even the strongest earthquakes.
The bridge led to a massive decrease in travel time from 45-60 minutes to 7-10 minutes, thus playing the most significant role in ensuring that Mumbai remains among the world’s most world-class cities.
Despite reducing travel time, the bridge had another vital role and benefit to its people: linking the western suburbs with Nariman Point, the primary business center. It would help if you visited this marvel to admire its beauty and might.
Best Time to visit Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai
Now you have heard about the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and have developed interest and curiosity; you want to visit the place but do not know the best time you can capture its beauty at its best.
Most people have different feelings about this, but the best recommended time to visit the sea link is during the day, and you will get a clear view of the sea and any other feature you have been dying to see here.
You can also consider driving up to the bridge after sunset, immediately after it has been lit up, and it looks beautiful here.
It is so beautiful at night as much as it is during the day, so you can decide which views and scenes you need so that you can know when to visit the place.
How to Reach Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai
Reaching the Bandra-Worli Sea Link is simple from either side; the bridge serves the next bus depot 2 km away, and the Bandra Railways Station serves the nearby railway station 5 km next to the sea link. Moreover, there are other ways of reaching the bridge, such as taxis and auto-rickshaws
Some statistics about Bandra-Worli Seal Link
Here are the available statistics you should know:
• All the bridge’s eight lanes were officially opened on March 24, 2010
• The Seal link reduces the travel time between Worli and Bandra from 20 to 30 minutes during peak hours to ten minutes.
• The bridge’s total length is 5.6 kilometers, equivalent to 3.5mi.
• It is 66 feet wide
• It has a height of 126 meters.
• The Bandra-Worli longest span is 850 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Bandra-Worli Sea Link unique?
In one way or another, the sea link is unique to the country because it appears as number four in the list of the longest bridges in India. In addition, this is a cable-stayed bridge that has pre-stressed concrete-steel ramps on both sides.
Can anyone ride their bikes on the Bandra-Worli Sea link?
No one is allowed to get off their cars due to the heavy traffic experienced on the bridge; thus, bikes are not allowed in this section. Moreover, some people misuse its purpose and jump into the sea to commit suicide.
How many vehicles pass over the Sea Link in a day?
An average of 150 cars belonging to MPs and MLAs pass over the sea link daily.
Can a car stop on the Bandra Worli Sea Link?
No car or vehicle can slow down on the bridge or stop. The sea link is a shortcut from the western suburbs and airports to the city.
How was the Sea Link constructed?
The Bandra Worli Sea Link is made uniquely with the combined knowledge of engineers from 11 different countries. It comprises a twin continuous concrete box of large steel beam sections, in which the spaced 50 meters apart piers are put in place.
Places of attraction around the Bandra-Worli Sea link
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is surrounded by various attractions where you can do fun activities. Some ordinary and fun areas around the sea link include the marine drive, Kanheri Caves, Gateway of India, Nariman Point, Elephanta Caves, Global Vipassana Pagoda, and Bandra-Worli Sea Link, among many other places. You will always find everything for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.
Famous Places Nearby:
Mount Mary Church Bandra – The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic Basilica in Bandra, Mumbai. Even though the church tower is 100 years old, the history of the current statue of Our Lady dates back to the 16th century when Jesuit priests from Portugal got the figure to the present place and built a chapel.
Girgaon Chowpatty – The Girgaon Chowpatty Girgaon Chowpatty Beach can be a local spot to explore and the most famous beach in Mumbai. The beach is a popular destination for massages, yoga, and strolls at a leisurely pace.
It’s also a popular spot for those looking to relax with their family and friends after work. You can relax on the beach, sipping hot tea, bhelpuri, and panipuri while watching the sunset on the Arabian Sea.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus is one of the most important railway stations connecting Mumbai with other national regions. In addition to its importance in the commercial world, It’s a landmark structure constructed in the Victorian-Gothic style.
It was previously known as Victoria Terminus. British engineers and Indian artisans worked for a decade to construct this structure.
Gateway of India – This stunning stone arch overlooked the Arabian Sea and was built to commemorate the first visit by King George V and Queen Mary. It is among the most popular spots for a visit to Mumbai for the people of Mumbai who visit to stroll around or watch the ferries that enter and leave the harbor.
It is also known as the Gateway of India and is the location for many luxurious boat excursions. It is a must-visit location for any Tourist who comes to Mumbai.
Taj Mahal Hotel – The most famous and Prestigious luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel is situated opposite the structure of the Gateway of India.
Marine Drive – Another famous attraction in Mumbai where you can sit beside the sea or walk on the promenade. It’s where you will see couples, Children, and early morning walkers enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya – is around 5 km from Marine Drive.
Jehangir Art Gallery – is a famous art gallery only 5 km from Marine Drive.
Flora Fountain – in Fort is another famous structure between Marine Drive and the Gateway of India. It is just a water fountain with an exciting history and landmark in Mumbai.
The bottom line
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is an architectural marvel that reveals the beauty that can result from nature and technology collaboration. Therefore, if you have never been there, you should consider visiting the place or crossing over with your car. You get more than you expect; no words can explain the exact beauty of the sea link. It brought many benefits to the people of India and even led to their economic growth.
