MSRDC to conduct first scour survey of Bandra-Worli Sea Link, calls for bids

To execute the survey, MSRDC plans to employ submersible remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), robotic instruments designed for underwater exploration. “The ROVs will allow experts to meticulously assess the condition of the sea link’s underwater structures and detect any potential scour-related issues before they escalate,” said an MSRDC official.

The iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee. 27.11.2024.)

The MSRDC has called for bids from experienced agencies, setting a deadline of January 20 for online submissions and January 21 for offline proposals. A pre-bid meeting will be held on January 9 to address queries from interested parties, with the bids scheduled to be opened on January 22. The estimated cost for the project is approximately Rs 8 crore.

A retired MSRDC engineer highlighted the significance of this initiative: “Scour surveys are standard practice for major bridges, though this is the first time it’s being done for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. An underwater inspection has been conducted for other structures, such as the old Vashi Creek Bridge.”

Maintenance of Mumbai’s first Sea Link

Spanning 5.6 kilometres, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link was fully opened to traffic in March 2010 and has since become a vital part of Mumbai’s transportation network. The sea link charges a toll of Rs100 for a one-way trip for cars, sees thousands of vehicles each day, facilitating north-south travel across the bustling metropolis.

Now 14 years old, the bridge requires regular maintenance to uphold its safety and functionality. The upcoming underwater inspection and scour survey are part of these ongoing efforts, ensuring that this engineering marvel continues to serve the city’s commuters reliably, added the official.