Following protest from the local fishing community, the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now planning to construct a “Bow String” bridge to connect the 10.58-kilometer Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) with Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL). The ambitious MCRP project will significantly reduce the travelling time in Mumbai. The high-speed road project will originate near Princes Street flyover near Marine Drive and end at BWSL. Earlier, it was planned to connect MCRP with BWSL with an arterial bridge. But the fishing community protested the construction of the arterial bridge, which resulted in the replacement of the arterial bridge with a “Bow String” bridge, reported Indian Express.
According to the original plan, the coastal road was supposed to be connected with the BWSL through an elevated arterial bridge that would be built on monopiles (pillars). However, members from the local fishing community protested claiming that the gap between the pillars was not adequate for boats. In the future, insufficient gaps between the pillars could prove to be a threat to boats, mainly during strong waves in the monsoon. Afterward, the community demanded the gap between the pillars should be 200 meters, while the BMC’s recommendation was 60 metres. After protests by fishermen, Chief Minister Eknaath Shinde, intervened and ordered the authorities to increase the gap to 120 metres. But instead of the increase in the gap between pillars, BMC decided to construct a ‘Bow String’ girder bridge.
What is a Bow-String bridge?
This kind of bridges are held together through high-tension chords instead of having a base support of pillars. The shape of the arch formed by the chords of these bridges, makes it look resemble to a ‘Bow’. These arch-shaped chords support the end of the bridge tightly with 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 pose might cost the safety and strength of the bridge. However, this bow-string bridge will be held by high-tension chords. The bow-string structure is also fit for smaller bridges, an official told IE. The design has been finalised and the BMC is aiming to complete the project by November 2023, however, the change in the design of the bridge might lead to an extension of the deadline by May 2024. The 120-meter-long bow string bridge and commuters passing through the main carriageway of the coastal road towards the north from Marine drive will cross this bridge.