New sea bridge opens in Mumbai

Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, a bridge connecting central Mumbai to its outer suburbs -- on 30 June 2009. The 3.5 mi/5.6 km bridge will reduce travel time between the suburbs of Bandra and Worli from more than 50 minutes to eight minutes. Four lanes will open to traffic on 1 July; it will take several months to complete the other lanes. Cars must pay 50 rupees (approximately US$1) to use the bridge one way and 75 rupees (approximately US$1.50) for two-way trips. Motorist will also have the option of paying 2,500 rupees (US$52) monthly. Buses, trucks and other heavier vehicles must pay 100 rupees (approximately US$2.00) one-way. Due to a number of delays, the US$335 million project took more than 10 years to complete. Maharashtra officials plan to rename the bridge after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1991