Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar Rahul Gandhi Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar flanked by AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, at the release of a commemorative postage stamp of freedom fighter Lala Ram Charan in New Delhi.

Hillary Rodham Clinton being received Sonia Gandhi with her son Rahul Gandhi in New Delh

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton being received by UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi with her son Rahul Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence in New Delhi.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hakes hands with Chief of India ruling Congress party Sonia Gandhi

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) shakes hands with Chief of India's ruling Congress party Sonia Gandhi before their meeting in New Delhi July 20, 2009. The United States and India are expected to sign an agreement on Monday that would take a major step towards allowing the sale of sophisticated U.S. arms to the South Asian nation, three senior U.S. officials said.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) shakes hands with senior Congress leader Karan Singh as Chief of India's ruling Congress party Sonia Gandhi (2nd L) and her son Rahul Gandhi watch before their meeting in New Delhi July 20, 2009.

Rahul Gandhi addressing the Assam PCC Meetin

Rahul Gandhi addressing the Assam PCC Meeting at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati.

Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, takes oath during the launch of the 'Aam Aadmi Ka Sipahi' (Soldier of the common man), a programme by Youth Congress to popularize United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government's programmes in Guwahat

Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchen Jigmi Y meet CP Sonia Gandhi

Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchen Jigmi Y Thinley being received by UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence for a meeting.

Sonia Gandhi inaugurating Bandra-Worli Sea in Mumbai Photos

Congress President Sonia Gandhi inaugurating the Bandra-Worli Sea .in Mumbai

Sonia Gandhi calls on ailing thespian Dilip Kumar

Sonia Gandhi calls on ailing thespian Dilip Kumar

Mumbai, June 30 (IANS) Taking time off from her busy schedule in Mumbai, Congress President Sonia Gandhi visited ailing Bollywood veteran Dilip Kumar at Lilavati Hospital Tuesday evening.

According to an official, Sonia spent a few minutes with his family members and friends.

She also inquired after the health of the 86-year-old actor who has been admitted to the hospital since Sunday for treatment of malaria. Sonia Gandhi had come to the city to inaugurate the Bandra-Worli Sea Link this evening.

The actor is expected to remain in hospital for another two days or so, the official said.

Dilip Kumar is responding well to treatment under the care of Dr. Jalil Parker. His fever has also subsided, making him cheerful.

Last year, Dilip Kumar was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on account of a urinary infection.

The actor, who is married to actress Saira Bano, is known for his landmark performances in films like "Devdas", "Madhumati", "Ganga Jamuna", "Mughal-E-Azam", "Shakti" and "Karma".

Sonai Gandhi Inauguration Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai

Congress president Sonia Gandhi with Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and other ministers during the inauguration of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

Arial view of Bandra-Worli sealink. Congress President Sonia Gandhi will inaugurate the Sea Link today.

Firework are seen at the Bandra Worli sea link. Two and three-wheelers would not be allowed to ply on the Bandra-Worli sea link, to be opened today by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Simply spectacular: Laser show on Bandra-Worli sea link bridge after its inauguration by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, in Mumbai.

मुंबई में बांद्रा-वर्ली सी लिंक खुला

यह समुद्र के ऊपर बना भारत का पहला पुल है

मुंबई में बांद्रा-वर्ली के बीच समुद्र के ऊपर बना पुल मंगलवार को खोल दिया गया. इसे भारतीय इंजीनियरिंग कौशल का बेहतरीन नमूना माना जा रहा है.

संयुक्त प्रगतिशील गठबंधन (यूपीए) की अध्यक्ष सोनिया गांधी इसका उदघाटन किया.

भारत में समुद्र के ऊपर निर्मित यह पहला पुल है. इसकी लंबाई लगभग साढ़े पाँच किलोमीटर है.

अरब सागर के ऊपर बने इस पुल को खोल दिए जाने से मुंबई के दो उपनगरों बांद्रा और वर्ली के बीच की दूरी काफ़ी घट जाएगी.

पहले जहां बांद्रा से वर्ली जाने में लगभग चालीस मिनट लगते थे, वहीं इस पुल के सहारे यह सफ़र महज आठ मिनटों में पूरा हो जाएगा.

इसे बनाने में लगभग 16 अरब पचास करोड़ रूपए की लागत आई और लगभग तीन हज़ार कामगारों ने दिन-रात की मेहनत से ये काम पूरा किया.

इसकी योजना अस्सी के दशक में बनाई गई लेकिन पूरा काम अब जाकर समाप्त हुआ है.

अधिकारियों का कहना है कि इस पुल से मुंबई में ट्रैफ़िक व्यवस्था को ठीक करने में मदद मिलेगी.

लेकिन आलोचकों का कहना है कि पर्यावरण की दृष्टि से यह ठीक नहीं है.