A brand-new cable-stayed steel bridge is on the horizon, poised to replace the aging Bellasis Bridge in Mumbai’s bustling island city. The transformation is essential to accommodate the ever-increasing traffic demands of the city. In just four months, the century-old Bellasis Bridge, linking Nagpada on the east with Tardeo on the west, is scheduled for demolition, marking the dawn of a new era in connectivity, reported The Indian Express. Situated between Mumbai Central and Grant Road in the island city, Bellasis Bridge is a Railway Overbridge (ROB), which spans over railway tracks.
What are the Key Features of the upcoming bridge?
The forthcoming bridge will adopt a cable-stayed design, constructed primarily from robust steel with a concrete foundation. Notably, the carriageways will be considerably wider, offering a substantial enhancement to traffic flow. The clearance above the railway tracks will be increased to approximately 6.5 meters, a notable improvement from the existing clearance of approximately five meters.
The Bellasis Bridge is unique as a significant portion of it traverses above the railway tracks, while a substantial section falls under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Consequently, the Western Railway will oversee the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge segment that spans over railway tracks, while the BMC will undertake the same for the remaining section.
What advantage will the new bridge bring?
The new bridge’s widened carriageways will substantially alleviate traffic congestion, promising a smoother commuting experience. Additionally, the implementation of a robust steel structure will ensure increased durability and safety, addressing the concerns associated with the deteriorating condition of the existing century-old bridge, plagued by corrosion in several areas.
Cost and Timeline:
The BMC has allocated a budget of Rs 65 crore for the construction of this bridge, while the Railways are expected to contribute Rs 40 crore to the project, reported IE. According to sources, once the work order is issued, construction is estimated to take approximately 24 months to reach completion.
Source: financialexpress.com