Mumbai's traffic is often ranked among the worst in the country, with travel times that can feel interminable. However, a brighter future awaits as new infrastructure projects are underway. The recently inaugurated North Channel Bridge is poised to revolutionise commuting in the city, cutting the Bandra to Marine Drive journey down to just 10 minutes. With major coastal road initiatives approaching completion, city officials believe this transformative era promises improved connectivity and a significant reduction in pollution for Mumbai.
On Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the North Channel Bridge, a groundbreaking development in urban connectivity. This vital bridge links the Mumbai Coastal Road Project with the Worli-Bandra Sea Link and signals a transformative leap forward for the city. With this milestone, Mumbai is poised to enter a new era of smooth and efficient travel, enhancing the daily lives of its residents and visitors alike.
The newly inaugurated north-bound bridge linking the Mumbai Coastal Road to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link was officially opened to the public on Monday. In addition to the bridge, three strategically positioned interchanges were also launched, designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow toward key neighbourhoods such as Worli, Prabhadevi, Lower Parel, and Lotus Junction. This infrastructure improvement aims to streamline access to these bustling areas, ultimately contributing to a more efficient transportation network in Mumbai.
The new bridge will be open from 7 AM to midnight. It promises to cut down your journey from Bandra to Marine Drive to just 10 to 15 minutes, making the commute faster and more convenient than ever.
The first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road is a remarkable 10.58 km stretch that connects the iconic Princess Street Flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It boasts 4+4 lanes and features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a striking bridge on stilts, an elevated highway, and twin tunnels that are testaments to innovative engineering. Moreover, this development strategically incorporates interchanges at key locations like Amarsons Garden, Haji Ali, and Worli Seaface, making it easier than ever for drivers to navigate the bustling city.
The Coastal Road initiative has made significant strides, enhancing connectivity in the area. The southbound lane from Worli to Marine Drive was inaugurated on March 11, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Following this, the northbound lane connecting Marine Drive to Haji Ali opened on June 10, further improving access. The final segment, stretching from Haji Ali back to Worli, became operational on July 11, completing a vital link that not only eases traffic flow but also elevates the overall travel experience.
The recently inaugurated northbound bridge is a remarkable engineering feat, stretching an impressive 827 meters in total. Of this, 699 meters elegantly arch over the sea, complemented by a 128-meter access road that enhances accessibility. At its heart lies the 'Bow Arch String Girder,' measuring 143 meters in length, 27 meters in width, and at 31 meters high.
The Chief Minister stated that with an impressive 94 per cent of the coastal road already completed, Mumbaikars can look forward to full access once the Prabhadevi connector is finalised in February. This development marks a significant enhancement in urban mobility, alleviating long-standing travel difficulties faced by commuters on the city's notoriously congested roadways.
