Workers put the finishing touches on the new iconic cable-stayed bridge at Reay Road, set to be inaugurated next month. This impressive 385-meter structure boasts two ramps and six lanes, supported by six pairs of cables. The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation is overseeing the re-construction of the aging British-era ROB.
(Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty 06-01-24, Mumbai)The city of dreams is all set to welcome its second cable-stayed bridge—the first of its kind built entirely on a landmass. The cable-stayed road overbridge at Reay Road, located in South Mumbai on the harbour railway line, is poised to open next month. It promises not only to improve connectivity but also to become a significant architectural addition to Mumbai’s landscape.
The construction of the overbridge began in February 2022 and has been progressing steadily under the supervision of Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (MahaRail). At an event in Nagpur on Sunday, MahaRail CEO Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal announced that the bridge’s work was almost complete, stating that the structure would be ready for vehicular movement by February.
While Mumbai is already home to the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the Reay Road overbridge sets itself apart as the city’s first cable-stayed bridge built entirely on land. Spanning 385 m, including two ramps, the six-lane bridge is equipped with pedestrian footpaths and has been constructed at a cost of Rs 175 crore, up from the previously estimated Rs 145 crore. Its design incorporates cutting-edge technology featuring a central pylon system with stay cables extending from the structure’s spine. The old road overbridge was built in 1910 and had only 1.5 lanes on both sides.
The bridge’s design prioritises functionality and innovation. By employing limited piers and cable-stayed technology, the construction team minimised the need for extensive foundations. This approach also reduced interference with underground utilities, speeding up construction and minimising inconvenience to traffic. The bridge’s long span provides a seamless connection between Barrister Nath Pai Road and the Eastern Freeway while maintaining the required vertical clearance for vehicles passing beneath it.
To further enhance the bridge’s visual appeal, MahaRail has integrated architectural LED lighting, promising to transform the Reay Road bridge into a striking feature of Mumbai’s nighttime skyline.
The Reay Road bridge replaces a dilapidated British-era structure, marking a significant milestone in Mumbai’s ongoing infrastructure upgrade. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation entrusted MahaRail with the task of reconstructing old road overbridges.