The girder launch between Mumbai coastal road and Bandra-Worli sea link was successfully completed on April 26. (Image: BMC)
This setup will now connect the Mumbai coastal road project and the Bandra-Worli sea link via a bow arch string girder by using tidal conditions in the open sea
The promise of seamless connectivity in Mumbai was made possible with the connection of the Mumbai Coastal Road to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Adding another feather to its cap, the BMC achieved a significant milestone by successfully installing the first bow arch string girder connecting the two vital infrastructure projects.
Completed on Friday (April 26), this setup will now connect the coastal road and the sea link via a giant girder by using tidal conditions in the open sea. A first-of-its-kind experiment in India, the girder launch was initiated around 2 am and was successfully completed by 3.25 am. The most challenging phase of the 10.58-km coastal road project is its convergence with the sea link.
Here’s how the BMC applied its well-planned strategy:
- The first bow arch string girder began its journey from Mazagaon docks at 12.30 pm on April 24 and successfully reached the sea link by 4 am on April 25. The process of setting up the girders began at 2 am on April 26, while keeping a close eye on tidal conditions.
- The girder was gradually brought to the midpoint between the coastal road and the sea link using a barge. Engineers stabilised the barge amid anticipated sea waves and wind speeds, ensuring optimal conditions for the setup.
- Four mating units were established, with two located on the coastal road and two on the sea link. At these units, the white mating angles on all four corners of the girder were precisely installed by 3.25 am.
- Once all four mating cones and units were aligned, the officers, engineers and workers present signalled that the mission was successful. The installed girder weighs 2,000 MT and measures 136 metres in length and 18 to 21 metres in width.
- Different pre-fabricated parts of this girder were manufactured in Haryana’s Ambala. Additionally, the pre-fabricated parts have been interconnected using highly advanced welding technology.
- Subsequently, with the assistance of at least 500 trailers, these parts were transported to Mazagaon docks and assembled at Nhava port. Finally, the girder was transported from Nhava port in Navi Mumbai to Mazagaon docks and then to Worli using a barge.
- Two mating cones and units each have been installed on both the Worli side of the coastal road and the sea link. Each mating unit has a diameter of 2 metres, while the mating cones measure 1.8 metres in diameter.
What comes next?
Following this, jacks will be installed on all four corners along with the mating cones and units. Subsequently, the mating cones and units will be removed after the jacks are activated.
The next technical step will involve settling the girder with the assistance of bearings, following which the jacks will be removed.
In the upcoming phase of the project, concretisation will be carried out spanning between the Worli end of the coastal road and the sea link. To prevent corrosion, advanced C5 Japanese technology has been used.
Explore Live updates on the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2 In regions, including Kerala , Karnataka , Noida , and West Bengal . Stay informed about key constituencies, voting trends, and candidate insights. Get Lok Sabha Election 2024 Related Real-Time Updates At News18 Website.
