BWSL: Opens with a hiccup

The Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL) was finally open for public yesterday. The bridge opened the routes at 7 a.m. but people had queued right from 6 a.m. to be the first to travel on the most "happening" infrastructure of Mumbai! 46 years after first being conceived and years of delay this bridge is a pride of Mumbai and also exhibits the "grime" in our governmental machinery! The construction was scheduled to start its work from October 2000. The China Harbour Engineering (Group) Co. were the main sub-contractor for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link Project. The CHEC group, which was awarded the contract for constructing the 500-m long cable-stayed bridge and the 170-m high tower by HCC in November 2000. This bridge has endured a lot of project delays and cost overruns due to the political games parties play. There seems to be a controversy even on naming of the bridge. The Bridge was finally named after Late Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. With Congress, whenever it comes to giving names, there is a little bit of Rajiv in every thing, be it breakfast or bridges!!! The status of this bridge is still "Work in Progress". The sea-link will remain toll free till 5th of july. The Toll Contractor, as the media reported, are still busy setting up the electronics required for collection of Toll Fees. The Eight lane Sea-link is now running on Four lanes. Some work is yet to be completed. As a result there was a slow moving traffic. A nice experience to learn on Day 1. Let's hope the bridge stands up to it's claim of reducing the transit time! Best Wishes to the lovely bridge. References http://www.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=3165 http://ibnlive.in.com/news/naming-controversy-over-bandraworli-sea-link/96118-3.html