Another feather on HCC cap
HCC has been executing some of the most exciting and challenging projectsin Indian history. The major engineering landmarks include the world's longest barrage at Farakka in West Bengal, India's first underground metro at Kolkata and the second one in New Delhi, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway–India's first six-lane expressway-the unique double curvature arch dam at Idukki in Kerala and one of Asia's largest breakwaters at Ennore Port in Tamil Nadu. One ambitious project under way is the Nimoo Bazgo Hydroelectric Project in Leh Ladakh at an altitude of 11,000 feet in Jammu and Kashmir . Source: India Syndicate Image courtesy: Hindustan Construction Company Ltd
Stress-free driving
Several benefits will accrue from the project. They include:--Estimated savings in Vehicle Operating Costs (VOC): Rs. 100 Crores per annum.--Considerable savings in travel time (20 to 30 minutes) due to increased speed and reduced delays (23 signals avoided)--Stress-free driving.--Reduced accidents.--Reduction in traffic on existing roads because of traffic diversion to the Sea Link. -- Reduction in Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Oxide Levels in Mahim, Dadar, Prabhadevi and Worli along existing roads.--Reduced noise pollution in Mahim, Dadar, Prabhadevi and Worli along existing roads.--No adverse effect on fisheries, marine life and livelihood of fisherman.--Landscaping along the approaches and waterfront promenade will enhance the environment and add green spots to the city.
Many `firsts' to its credit
The Bandra Worly sea link project has certain unique features. These include:--An 8-lane bridge with 2 lanes dedicated for buses.--Unique bridge design for the Link Bridge to emerge as a land mark structure in the city.--Single tower supported 500 metre long cable-stayed bridge at Bandra Channel and twin tower supported 350 m cable-stayed bridge at Worli Channel for each carriageway.--Modern toll plaza of 16 lanes with automated toll collection system.--An intelligent bridge with state-of-art systems for traffic monitoring, surveill ance, information and guidance, instrumentation, emergency support, etc.--Development of promenade and landscaping to enhance the environment.
Did You Know?
Length of the steel wires used is equal to the circumference of the earth.Weight of the Sealink Bridge is equivalent to the weight of 50,000 African elephantsHeight of the cable-stay towers equals that of a 43 storied building and the length of the Sealink Bridge is 63 times the height of the Qutub Minar
1.40 lakh cars a day
The eight-lane flyover will have capacity of carrying about 1.40 lakh cars per day. Large multi-axel vehi cles and two-wheelers would not be allowed on the sea link. Speed limit would have to be maintained at 100 km/hr. As the project is being implemented on BOT basis, there would be a minimum toll of Rs 30 per vehicle.
New-age building technology
The Bandra Worli Sealink is the first of its kind in a number of ways. A number of unique equipment are being used in this project. The unique distinguishing feature of this project is deployment of Asian Hercules, one of the biggest floating sheerleg cranes in the world, for shifting of 1200 MT Launching Girders in sea and specially manufactured equipment for erection of cable stay bridge segments.
