Bandra-Worli sea link: Fishermen’s stir prompts pier structure changes

Following the agitation and subsequent meetings with representatives of the kolis, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has endorsed some changes in two particular piers. “We’ve already changed the pier structure on the curve-section at the Worli end of the sea link,” said MSRDC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director S M Gavai.

He added that the pier structure alteration had increased the space between the piers from 50 to 77 feet, which will allow easy passage to fishing vessels. The distance between the piers was increased by doing away with a huge pier base.

Gavai clarified, however, that the structural stability of the bridge has not been sacrificed to make the change.

The fishermen had demanded that the distance between the piers at that section be as wide as it is at the smaller cable-stayed portion. They feared that the narrow gap between the piers would make them vulnerable to accidents when sailing in small boats.

“If the gaps between pillars are narrow, there are strong chances of being dashed against the concrete pillars when the sea is rough,” pointed out Shiv Sena Deputy Zonal Head Harish Worlikar, who was leading the protests.

A senior MSRDC official, however, warned, “Beyond the alternation done, it is impossible to change anything at this stage. It’s too late to wake up and protest; we’re nearing the deadline to throw the sea link open. If there is any big change now, it would mean another serious delay apart from a huge cost escalation.”

This is not the first time that fishermen have protested the construction of the sea link. Since its inception, the kolis have agitated against the construction, forcing the nodal agency to alter designs a couple of times.