Infrastructure
Mumbai Coastal Road To Introduce 'Bow-String' Bridge To Connect With Worli Sea Link, Allaying Fishermen's Concerns
- Concerns were raised by members of the local fishing community, who argued that the spaces between the pillars were insufficient for boats.
- In response, the BMC revised the plan by eliminating one pillar to create a wider navigation space for the boats and the gap was extended to 120 m.
- As a result of the increased distance between the remaining monopiles, the civic body opted for a 'bow-string' girder bridge.
Mumbai's coastal road under construction. (@AshwiniBhide/Twitter)
In a significant development, a 'bow-string' bridge will be constructed at the northern end of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) to connect it with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL).
The construction of a 'bow-string' bridge has been decided following thorough deliberations and consultations involving the fishermen community, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Initially, the original plan included linking the coastal road to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) using an elevated arterial bridge supported by monopiles.
However, concerns were raised by members of the local fishing community, who argued that the spaces between the pillars were insufficient for boats and could potentially endanger their vessels, particularly during intense monsoon waves.
However, due to protests from the fishermen, the gap was extended to 120 m in January 2023.
In response, the BMC revised the plan by eliminating one pillar to create a wider navigation space for the boats.
Project Features And Timeline
The characteristic of the 'bow-string' bridge is its incorporation of high-tension chords that will hold the span — forming an arched girder structure without the requirement of extra pillar support.
This design will enable increased navigational room for boats and eliminates the necessity for extensive piling work.
The bridge will serve as a vital connection for vehicles traversing the coastal road from Marine Drive in the northern direction.
The bridge design has been finalised with the primary challenge to ensure its seamless integration into the existing MCRP design.
The BMC intends to finish the project by November 2023, although the deadline could be extended until May 2024 due to the design alteration.
When the remaining section of the coastal road is completed prior to the bridge's finalisation, the MCRP may be opened for vehicular traffic.
Mumbai Coastal Road Project
The 10.58 km long coastal road will connect Nariman Point in South Mumbai with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) at Worli through a series of roads and underground tunnels.
The coastal road is being built on reclaimed land with an aim to decongest traffic, and will be constructed in two parts.
The northern part would be from the North End of Bandra Worli Sea Link to Kandivali Junction.
The coastal project is set to dramatically transform the coastline in South Mumbai, which has a long history of reclamation. Once complete, the road will extend the coast up to 100 m inside the sea.
