Mumbai is on the verge of unveiling its first cable-stayed bridge on land, marking a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. The six-lane bridge at Reay Road, which will be the second cable-stayed bridge in the city after the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, is almost complete, with only final finishing touches remaining.
According to officials, the bridge’s foundation work, girder launching, and superstructure construction have all been completed. With just minor finishing work left, the bridge is expected to open for public transport soon. The Cable-Stayed Road Over Bridge (ROB) project, which began on February 14, 2022, has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹266 crore. The bridge spans 385 meters, along with two down ramps, and features a central pylon system, where stay cables are erected on the central spine girder.
Originally, the bridge was slated for a November 2024 opening, but certain encroachment issues caused minor delays. However, with those challenges now addressed, commuters can soon expect to benefit from this modern engineering marvel. The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail) has played a key role in designing and executing the project, using innovative construction techniques to ensure faster and more efficient completion.
Unlike traditional road-over bridges, this new cable-stayed design reduces the need for multiple piers and large foundations, making it structurally efficient. MahaRail opted for a segmental construction approach, where individual bridge segments were prefabricated off-site before being transported and assembled at the location. This method ensured better quality control and minimised construction time, resulting in an efficient and streamlined project.
One of the major advantages of this new bridge is its ability to reduce disruptions to underground utilities. The design ensures smooth traffic movement through Barrister Nath Pai Road, while also maintaining the required vertical clearance for vehicles traveling over and under the bridge. The structure has been built to meet Indian Road Congress (IRC) standards, ensuring sufficient clearance for Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) railway tracks beneath the bridge, as well as seamless integration with the Eastern Freeway.
In addition to its functional benefits, the new Reay Road Cable-Stayed Bridge will also add aesthetic value to Mumbai’s infrastructure. The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) has incorporated architectural LED lighting to illuminate the bridge, enhancing its visual appeal while also improving safety standards.
The bridge will also be equipped with a Bridge Health Monitoring System, ensuring real-time tracking of its structural integrity.
The completion of this landmark project reflects Mumbai’s commitment to modernizing its transport network and reducing congestion on key routes. Once operational, the bridge will significantly improve connectivity in the Reay Road area, providing commuters with a safe, efficient, and visually striking transport solution. With its unique design, cutting-edge construction techniques, and enhanced safety measures, the city’s first cable-stayed bridge on land is set to become a new landmark in Mumbai’s evolving skyline.
Source: The Free Press Journal
