From Bombay to Mumbai, the city that changes everyday, a city that never sleeps, a city that lures with its bright lights and wiff of enigmatic promise. Here look at the major infrastructural developments that made the city more enriched and glorious.
Chembur-Wadala Monorail
Mumbai_Monorail Pic Source: (www.realtynmore.com) |
It is a part of major public transport expansion in the city. It is the first monorail in India since the shutdown of Kundala Valley Railway and Patiala State Monorail Trainways in the 1920s. The entire construction took around 5 years till completion (2009-2014). It was inaugurated on 1st February 2014 with an operational line spreading from Wadala Depot to Chembur. With plush air conditioned coaches and smart-card tickets it served as a breakthrough the way Mumbaikars travel. It can transport 2,300 passengers every 15 minutes.
Eastern Freeway
Eastern Freeway Pic Source: (www.mumbai-metro.com) |
The Eastern Freeway came into existence when the transportation demands increased considering future traffic and in order to save travel time and fuel. It connects the P D’Mello Road in South Mumbai to Eastern Express Highway at Ghatkopar. Heavy vehicles except public buses, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, bullock carts, handcarts and pedestrians are prohibited from using the freeway. Also one is not allowed to make a halt and can only travel in a speed limit up to 60 km/h.
Double-decker Flyover (Santacruz-Chembur Link Road)
Double-Decker road – Santacruz-Chembur link road… Pic Source: (www.squarefootgobal.com) |
It is claimed to be India’s first double-decker flyover thrown open for traffic in Mumbai. It is a quick solution to provide east-west connectivity. The flyover aims at reducing traffic around Amar mahal Junction, Vakola, Sion and Kurla. With several occasions of delay, it took more than 11 years to complete. It was opened to public on 18th April 2014.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Terminal 2)
Mumbai Airport Terminal 2… Pic Source (www.i. ytimg.com) |
Mumbai airport’s T2 which opened in January 2014 was a breakthrough modernization project. It is the second busiest airport in the country in terms of passenger traffic. The X-shaped T2 has four levels- uppermost for common international and domestic check-in facilities, retail, security; below is the same for domestic travellers; the next one for all arrivals and lowest for ground transportation. It is massive enough that it boasts 188 check-in counters, 60 departure and 72 arrival desks, 52 boarding gates, 10,900 seats and 102 toilets!
Mumbai Metro
Mumbai Metro – Pic Source – (www.i.ytimg.com) |
The Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro rolled out in May 2014. It took around 7 years to complete with a quality of ride that is comparable to a rail system. It has clearly brought down the pressure on suburban railway system, besides reducing vehicular traffic and congestion of corridors.
Bandra-Worli Sea link
Bandra Worli Sea Link… Pic Source (www.stockpicturesforeveryone.com) |
It is officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link and is a cable- stayed bridge with a spectacular lair across Bandra, all the way till Worli. This eight lane bridge reduces travel time especially during peak hours and has turned out to be a boon for regular commuters. It is the first infrastructure project in Mumbai to use seismic arresters. This enables it to withstand earthquakes up to 7.0 Richter scale.
With an aim of further enhancement, The Free Press Journal in collaboration with IMC (Indian Merchant Chambers), the FPJ-IMC forum will be initiating a panel discussion over the scope and need of the Mumbai’s infrastructural development.
Event: Discussion on Mumbai’s Infrastrcuture – What is needed
Date: 10th May 2016
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Walchand Hirachand Hall, 4th floor, IMC (Indian Merchant Chambers), Churchgate, Mumbai.
