After years of waiting, the mighty Bandra Worli Sea Link was finally thrown open to the public on July 1, 2009. The feeling was inexplicable-I’ll finally be able to throng the iconic structure which I am used to see standing proudly in the sea everytime I cross Mahim Causeway to Bandra since years!
However, the no-toll gesture by the government for five days resulted in massive traffic on the Sea Link on the first day. Most of the Mumbaikars wanted to enjoy a ride on the link before July 6 after which they’ll have to pay a toll for Rs. 50. Reports and images of the bridge clogged with vehicles put me off. I was disappointed since I wanted to visit the link as soon as possible but it seemed the traffic would reduce only from July 6 onwards. And the weekend would also end by that time and it would be impossible again to visit the link in the weekdays.
Finally we decided to go there on Sunday July 5 in the morning. We expected the traffic to be less for two reasons: 1. There was a heavy downpour on Saturday and the Met Dept had predicted the same to continue on Sunday as well and 2. Almost all the roads in Mumbai are empty on Sunday mornings. We knew that even if it started raining heavily, we’ll reach home without any difficulty since our residence is not far from both ends of the bridge.
So we started our ride deciding to go from the Bandra end of the link. And we were a bit shocked to see lots of cars lined in front of us, waiting to enter into the link, even on Sunday morning! Fortunately, it didn’t take much time and in 6 minutes, we crossed the toll plaza and entered the sea link.
To be honest, the experience on the link was good, but not great. Due to presence of so many vehicles, our cab was inching forward slowly. The max speed limit on the bridge is 50, but our cab didn’t go past 15! But still, the visit to the bridge was a memorable experience. Due to the cloudy weather, the link looked fabulous especially from the Bandra end. The 500 m long cable-stayed bridge at the centre seemed mighty, making me feel as if I am in some foreign country! The cables look quite strong and thick but from the Mahim Causeway, it looked likeropes!
Finally, we reached the Worli end of the bridge. And even with the traffic, we managed to cross the bridge in just 18 minutes! It’s a great feat, considering it takes at least 25 to 30 minutes to reach Worli from Bandra using the old route. And after some days when the traffic reduces, the commuting time on the bridge will be even less!
However, the Phase 2 of the bridge (i.e. extending the link to Haji Ali) should be completed as soon as possible. Only then will it help to solve the traffic woes of South and Central Mumbai to a great extent. And I’ll like to conclude by congratulating Hindustan Construction Co (HCC) Ltd for successfully constructing this magnificent bridge-a great job indeed!
I’ve posted pics of the Bandra Worli Sea Link in my album-do check!
