Bridge across the sea

The first bridge to be built over the sea in India has opened in Mumbai. This undated handout photograph shows an aerial view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The eight-lane, 5.6 km (3.47 mile)-long, bridge links the western suburbs of Bandra with Worli over the Arabian Sea.

Dec 16, 2009 16:43 IST

Mumbai's new landmark: The first bridge to be built over the sea in India opened in Mumbai this year. This undated handout photograph shows an aerial view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The eight-lane, 5.6 km (3.47 mile)-long, bridge links the western suburbs of Bandra with Worli over the Arabian Sea. (AFP)

Engineering marvel: Analysts describe the sea link as an engineering marvel which shows that Indian construction players have come of age, and are capable of matching global counterparts. (AFP)
Way to ease traffic chaos: Laser lights and fireworks are seen at the Bandra Worli sea link on the eve of its inauguration in Mumbai, India, Monday, June 29, 2009. (AP)
Herculean feat: The bridge has been built by the Hindustan Construction Company. Officials say more than 3,000 people took eight years to build the $400m (£240m) bridge. (AFP)

Travel becomes dearer: A police vehicle patrols the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge in Mumbai on June 23, 2009. Commuters pay Rs 50 toll to travel one way through the bridge, which was inaugurated, following years of delays and legal wrangling. (AFP)
Scepticism: A private security official stands guard on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge in Mumbai on June 23, 2009. (AFP)
Environmental concern? A supervisor waits for workers after the end of a shift at the cable-stayed bridge on the Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL) in Mumbai on June 2, 2009. Environmental activists questioned the project's impact on the seabed, marine ecology and livelihood of fishermen - the oldest residents of the city. (AFP)

Nation's pride: Fireworks on Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge as it was inaugurated by Congress President Sonia Gandhi in Mumbai. Sonia described it as a proud moment for the entire country. (NDTV)
More in the offing... The Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge on the eve of its inauguration in Mumbai on Monday. The construction is the first phase of the Western Freeway Sea Link (Bandra to Nariman Point) with the second phase to stretch from Worli to Nariman Point. (AFP)