"Arch Bridge for Mumbai Coastal Road Project Sets Sail, Expected to Reach Worli Site"

The massive 2,000-metric-ton arch bridge, a crucial part of the Mumbai Coastal Road project, began its journey from Mazagon Dock's Nhava unit on Wednesday at 12:30 pm. The structure is expected to reach the project site at Worli by late Wednesday night, with the erection set to commence on April 26, subject to weather conditions. April 27 has been kept as a contingency date in case of any delays caused by inclement weather.

By Wednesday evening, the bridge had already passed Colaba along the western shore, making steady progress toward its destination. As the barge transporting the bridge does not have its own engine, it is being towed by a main tug, with two additional tugs on either side providing support during the voyage. The barge is making a 62-kilometer journey to the Worli site.

Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) and Hyundai Development Corporation (HDC), the joint venture overseeing the construction, provided details about the logistics and safety measures taken during the voyage. Freight Wings Pvt. Ltd., a specialist in marine transportation and erection services, is responsible for various aspects of the project's logistics, including jack-up, lifting, loadout, barge, and marine transportation.

The arch bridge will connect the right-hand side of the Mumbai Coastal Road to the Bandra Worli Sea Link, enhancing the connectivity of the coastal road network. The original plan was to move the span from Mazagon Dock's Nhava unit on April 21, but adverse weather conditions caused a delay. The new schedule aims to ensure a safe and successful erection of the bridge.

In addition to the right-hand-side arch bridge, which weighs 2,000 metric tons, there is a similar left-hand-side bridge weighing 2,400 metric tons. There are also other spans measuring 44 meters, 60 meters, and 46 meters, with a total steel requirement for the project estimated at 7,000 metric tons. The steel used in these bridges was sourced from Jindal Steel and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India.

The Mumbai Coastal Road project is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion in Mumbai. The completion of these key bridges is an essential step toward achieving the project's objectives.

ET