French company roped in to design rest of sea link

The builders of the Bandra-Worli sea link have roped in French design consultant Systra for the city’s next sea-bridge. HT reports.

The builders of the Bandra-Worli sea link have roped in French design consultant Systra for the city’s next sea-bridge.

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There had been concern that the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link could become an eyesore if the designs of the completed Bandra-Worli sea link and the soon-to-be constructed Worli Haji Ali sea link didn’t match.

Reliance, which is building the bridge, wants to ensure that the bridge is aesthetically built.

“The bridge will be designed by Design Consultants - Systra, France. Extensive research has been undertaken to ensure continuity,” Reliance sources said. “There will be absolute structural integration between the two links. The new link will be more sleek visually and lighter.”

The Bandra-Worli sea link with its two cable-stayed bridges designed by Dar Consultants has become symbolic of Mumbai since it was opened to the public in June 2009.

However, the MSRDC, the nodal agency for construction of the sea links, has laid down rules that the two bridges be aesthetically integrated.

“We have told the concessionaire that we are seeking a design that compliments the Bandra-Worli sea link. The design will be cleared by the government only if we find that it strikes an aesthetic balance with the earlier structure,” a senior MSRDC official said.