The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), presently under construction, is set to become India's longest sea bridge and the first to feature an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system. This pioneering system will enable commuters to seamlessly pass through toll booths at speeds of up to 100 kmph without the need to slow down for toll payment. With an estimated cost of around ₹18,000 crores, the MTHL project aims to accommodate approximately 70,000 vehicles upon its completion. Recent visits by NDTV to the 16.5 km long deck have revealed that the construction progress is nearing 95%, with the bridge expected to be fully operational by the end of this year, following the final finishing touches.
Expressing confidence in meeting the project's completion target, SVR Srinivas, the commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, highlighted that the structural work on the bridge is nearing completion. After an upcoming event, the remaining tasks, including road laying, electrical installations, and the implementation of an intelligent transport system (electronic tolling), will be carried out. Srinivas emphasized the significance of the MTHL, not just as an engineering marvel but also as a catalyst for economic growth. Once operational, the MTHL will connect Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, the satellite city of the financial capital, dramatically reducing travel times to a mere 12 to 15 minutes, compared to the current arduous journey.
Srinivas further explained that the bridge will facilitate smoother movement of raw materials, finished goods, and labour, thereby establishing a new supply chain between Mumbai and the mainland. The primary objective of the MTHL is to alleviate traffic congestion and drive economic development by linking Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. The MTHL will start from Sewri in South Mumbai, cross Thane Creek to the north of Elephanta Island, and reach its destination at Chirle near Nhava Sheva.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are scheduled to visit the project site on Wednesday evening. Initially conceived approximately 30 years ago, the MTHL aims to enhance traffic connectivity between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. Construction of the MTHL began in April 2018 after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority awarded contracts for the project in November 2017. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction timeline was extended by approximately eight months. The current estimated completion date is December 2023.
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