Worli-Sewri connector: Pillar stands in way of progress

Constructing the proposed Worli-Sewri connector, which will join the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) with the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), will be a daunting task for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

Tough task: The fact that both the stations - Elphistone or Parel - have a common railway over bridge and are a part of the planned elevated corridor between Churchgate and Virar has intensified the challenge for the MMRDA officials. FILE PIC

The biggest challenge before the MMRDA officials is the construction of pillars near Elphistone or Parel railway station, as they will be wider or as wide as the existing station road. Moreover, the height of these pillars will be equivalent to that of a five-storeyed building.

The fact that both the stations have a common railway over bridge and are a part of the planned elevated corridor between Churchgate and Virar has intensified the challenge for the MMRDA officials.

"We have been asked to keep space below the Worli-Sewri connector for the proposed elevated rail corridor. This means that designs for the connector will have to be made accordingly," said MMRDA Commissioner Rahul Asthana.

An MMRDA official said the Worli-Sewri connector would pass at a height of 26 metres to 27 metres.

"We will have to construct wider pillars with a much stronger foundation so that it can take the weight of the connector. In our survey, it has come to the fore that width of several pillars is more than that of the road," the official said. "Besides, we are also considering the option of constructing pillars on the railway plot between Elphistone and Parel."

The official said if they chose the second option, they would require permissions from Western Railway and Central Railway to construct a pair of pillars. He also said that securing permission from both the railway authorities seemed to be an uphill task. u00a0