Following protests by the local fishermen community, the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now planning to build a “bow string” bridge to connect the 10.58 km long Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL).
The ambitious MCRP project will significantly reduce the travel time in Mumbai. The high-speed road project will start near Marine Drive near the Princes Street flyover and end at BWSL.
Earlier, it was planned to connect MCRP with BWSL through an arterial bridge. But the fishermen community opposed the construction of the arterial bridge, as a result of which the arterial bridge was replaced by a “bow string” bridge, reported The Indian Express.
As per the original plan, the Coastal Road was to be connected with the BWSL through an elevated arterial bridge that would be built on monopiles. However, members of the local fishermen community objected, claiming that the gap between the pillars was not sufficient for boats. In future, the insufficient gap between pillars may prove to be a danger to boats, mainly during strong waves in monsoon.
Later, the community demanded that there should be a distance of 200 meters between the pillars, while the BMC’s recommendation was 60 metres. Following protests by fishermen, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde intervened and ordered officials to increase the gap to 120 metres. But instead of increasing the gap between the pillars, the BMC decided to build a ‘bow string’ girder bridge.
What is a bow-string bridge?
Such bridges are held together by means of high-tension cables rather than supporting pillars. The shape of the arch formed by the chords of these bridges makes it similar to a ‘bow’. These arch-shaped chords firmly support the ends of the bridge from the surface.
The main reason behind choosing an arch bridge over an arterial bridge was safety. Increasing the existing gap between the monopiles will not affect the safety and strength of the bridge. However, this bow-and-arrow bridge would be held in place by high-tension chords. An official told IE that the bowstring structure is suitable for smaller bridges as well.
The design has been finalized and the BMC is targeting to complete the project by November 2023, however, a change in the design of the bridge may extend the deadline to May 2024.
Passengers passing through the 120-metre long bow string bridge and the main carriageway of the Coastal Road northwards from Marine Drive will cross the bridge.
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