Mumbai’s ambitious Coastal Road project reached a significant milestone on Wednesday with the successful installation of the second massive bow arch string girder. This impressive feat brings the Coastal Road a step closer to a seamless connection with the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Coastal Road: Second Girder Launch
The second girder, weighing in at a staggering 2,500 metric tonnes, was meticulously positioned early Wednesday morning. The complex operation, overseen by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), began at 3 am and concluded by 6:07 am. Tidal conditions were carefully monitored throughout the process to ensure perfect alignment with the first girder, which was installed in April.
This successful launch marks a major achievement for the project, physically linking the Coastal Road to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link on both ends. However, motorists will have to wait a bit longer before they can zip between the two infrastructure marvels. Construction of the road surface and waterproofing measures on the girder will take several more months to complete.
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Traffic Flow Expected To Improve
The first section of the Coastal Road, operational since earlier this year, allows for southbound traffic only, operating between 8 am and 8 pm on weekdays. The addition of the second girder paves the way for two-way traffic once the entire project is finished.
This crucial development is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in Mumbai, a city notorious for its congestion. The Coastal Road, upon completion, will provide a vital alternative route, particularly for those travelling along the city’s western coast. This will not only reduce travel times but also alleviate pressure on existing roads. The project boasts impressive engineering feats.
The twin bow arch string girders, each a marvel of modern construction, are 143 meters long, a staggering 31.7 meters wide, and a towering 31 meters high. The prefabricated components for these giants were manufactured in Ambala, Haryana, before being transported to Mumbai for assembly.
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The successful installation of the second girder is a testament to the dedication and meticulous planning of the engineers and construction workers involved in this transformative project. There’s still some way to go before motorists can experience the full benefits of the Coastal Road. This milestone signifies a major step forward in decongesting Mumbai’s busy streets.
Cover Image Courtesy: @mybmc/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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