Mumbai’s First Cable-Stayed Bridge at Reay Road to Open Soon
Mumbai is set to launch its second cable-stayed bridge and its first on land, marking a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. The construction of the new six-lane bridge at Reay Road, which will be Mumbai’s first cable-stayed bridge on land, is almost complete.
“All foundation work, girder launching, and superstructure work have been completed. The construction of the Cable-Stayed Road Over Bridge (ROB) is now finished, and only finishing touches remain. The bridge is expected to open soon for public use,” an official stated. The Cable-Stayed ROB, which began construction on February 14, 2022, spans 385 meters, including two down ramps. The bridge will feature six lanes and has an estimated cost of ₹266 crore. Initially expected to open in November, the project faced delays due to encroachment issues.
The Reay Road Cable-Stayed ROB features a central pylon system, with stay cables attached to the central spine girder of the bridge. Designed by Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail), the bridge uses a cable-stayed system with fewer piers and foundations for enhanced efficiency. The construction process adopted segmental construction, which allows for better quality control and faster construction. The individual segments of the bridge were prefabricated at a fabrication yard before being transported to the site. For the straight alignment portion, a simple steel girder system was used to speed up construction.
This new bridge is designed with a longer span, minimizing interference with underground utilities. The bridge’s design also ensures that traffic can flow under the bridge via Barrister Nath Pai Road, while maintaining the necessary vertical clearance for vehicles traveling above the bridge under the Eastern Freeway, in accordance with IRC standards. Adding to its functionality, the new Cable-Stayed ROB will contribute aesthetically to Mumbai’s infrastructure. The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) has also designed architectural LED lighting for the bridge, which will not only enhance its visual appeal but also improve safety through a Bridge Health Monitoring System.
