The huge wait is eventually over as the Bandra-Worli Sealink (Rajiv Gandhi Sealink) is now open for Mumbaiikars. The sealink connects Bandra to Worli which promises to cut down the travel time by almost 80%. BWSL has been the first of its kind in the country & is truly an engineering marvel.

BWSL

Preceding the inaugural, an opening ceremony was organized on 29th June 2009. It saw a magnificent display of fireworks & lasers which truly lit up the new gem of Mumbai. Thousands of Mumbaiikars rushed towards the shores & onto the two sides of the bridge to witness the grand opening ceremony. The view was breath-taking as fireworks & lasers took off the sealink on a beautiful night which staged a perfect opening to such a mega event. The sealink was inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi on 30th June 2009 & opened for general public at 7 AM on 1st July 2009 i.e. today. I went to Worli today & was happy to see things going all well on the new Bandra-Worli sealink. The public is happy as the toll charges have been waived off till 5th July.

Bandra-Worli Sealink_Night

The Bandra-Worli sealink is supported by special cables imported from China which are almost four times the circumference of the Earth. The bridge was constructed with the help of 3000 laborers who toiled day & night to put the great architectural marvel. 20,000 cement bags were used in the process. Its 4.8 KM long & promises to complete the journey between Bandra-Worli in just seven minutes. A normal road voyage would normally take almost one hour considering the traffic at peak hours. This has been the prime reason behind the construction of the Bandra-Worli sealink. The sealink is a modern eight lane cable stayed bridge controlled by automated toll plaza. It has been constructed using special anti-skid material & is estimated to hold strong for coming 100 years. The first day today saw a great response as Mumbaiikars went crazy to take a drive on this lovely sealink.

I am eager take a drive on this new bridge. It is bound to become a major tourist attraction in Mumbai. Bandra-Worli sealink not only adds to the beauty of Mumbai but also is a huge step towards improving the infrastructure in the country.