Mumbai: Spanning 3,000 pillars, each placed 60 metres apart, and at a height of 12 metres from the sea level, the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) is expected to significantly alter connections between South Mumbai and the northern suburbs. Even as the sea link rises steadily from the sea, meticulous planning and careful adjustments ensure the project stays on course – both structurally and environmentally.
MSRDC executive engineer Sachin Niphade affirms that while the core alignment between Bandra and Versova remains unchanged, modifications have been made to some connectors to accommodate the needs of the fishing community and comply with recommendations from the Expert Appraisal Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. “These changes will not only address environmental concerns but also help in the smooth dispersal of traffic once the bridge is operational,” Niphade explains.
As the project progresses, the team is working against the clock to complete as much work as possible inside the sea before the onset of the monsoon. “The rains bring restrictions, so we focus on completing critical tasks offshore before then,” said another MSRDC official associated with the project.
During the monsoon months, work will continue at the two major casting yards – one at Bandra Reclamation, which facilitates material transport to the BandraCarter Road site, and another in Malad, which supplies construction materials to the Versova side. Ensuring safety while working in the open sea is a major challenge. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has provided a navigational pathway, allowing controlled movement of workers. “We take utmost care to ensure safety, and so far, there have been no major incidents,” said an MSRDC official.
To maintain worker accountability, a unique numbering coin system is in place. Each worker is given a coin before heading to the site, and they must return it at the collection counter when they come back. This helps us keep track of everyone working inside the sea. Construction at sea comes with its own set of challenges, including the ever-changing tides. Girder launching – a critical phase of the project – is carefully planned according to high and low tide cycles to ensure smooth execution.
“Working inside the sea is not easy,” the executive engineer stresses, acknowledging the precision and coordination required to keep the project moving forward. With a combination of engineering expertise, environmental considerations and workforce safety measures, Mumbai’s next iconic sea link is steadily taking shape—one tide at a time.
This is the second and concluding part of a two-part feature
