Last week I was watching a series of the best and the longest bridges in the world on the television at the Discovery channel. To my surprise no Indian bridge features in the list. Roads and bridges lead to development and showcase a country’s progress. Why I am talking about bridges is because in less than a month’s time the Bandra Worli Sea link - an 8 lane will cable connector will be thrown open to public. I am extremely happy about this development. I get happy about bridges in general. They are wonderful and solve too many things - saves time, reduce accidents, generate revenue, smoothens traffic and of course become a land mark subsequently. The Bandra Worli sea link is a man made wonder in making. Though it took more than five years, but it is also a classic example of private public partnership The height of the bright is close to 126 metres or a 46 floor building. an interesting fact about this bridge is that the total length of steel wires utilised to construct can be rolled across the circumference of the Earth.
The second Hoogly bridge in Kolkata which links Howrah city has proved how useful it could be. It is also an architectural delight.
Now I wait for the Signature Bridge, Wazirabad, New Delhi which will connect NH 1 on the Yamuna’s western bank to the main city. Quite an ambitious project the bridge was supposed to open for public in 2009, but you know as things in India work, it takes time!!!
Sunday, 10. May 2009
Nostalgia ! I was born in this city; schooling, Cricket et all; especially mention of South Bombay sets me dreaming; late fifties to mid seventies. Don’t know what exactly is the living scene today; more than 30 years after I left this city but pleasant memories fill my mind; of St. Xavier’s High School, Cross Maidan, Nariman Point, the Marine Lines seaface, Princess Street , Flora Fountain !!!
Sunday, 10. May 2009
Greatings, I have already seen it somethere…
AnnaHopn
Sunday, 10. May 2009
Manuel.. sounds ecstatic- Also that you were in this magical city during the swinging 60’s and the roaring 70’s as some prefer to express. I don’t belong to Bombay but the city remains one of the most cherished one.
Monday, 11. May 2009
I liked the statement about, ‘I get happy about bridges in general.’ I think i feel that way too..and probably did not know it till i read this!
I remember when the second Hooghly Bridge had just opened in Cal - we used to drive down just to park and stand in its center for a while. Was not sure what i liked about it then…probably some of the things you say here were the reason for the joy.
Saturday, 16. May 2009
Yes Piyush, ” I identify bridges with progress and connectivity. I can visualise how you’d feel in the middle of the VidyaSagar Setu and watch life passing by - airplanes, cars and ships.” Thanks for you inputs.
Wednesday, 15. July 2009
Hey Palash,
I liked what you wrote. I too have a fascination for bridges, the way it connects people to places. I just watched a Malayalam movie called Calcutta News that covers a lot of social life as commuters travel across the Hoogly Bridge and it was so enlightening. The way conversations, lives and sometimes actions are shaped that way…just by passing through a bridge.
Nice write up and nice pic.