Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Nearing Completion with Anticipated Public Opening

Mumbai, 17th November 2023: Excitement is building among Mumbai Citizens as the highly anticipated Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is expected to open its gates to the public on December 25, according to reliable sources. However, an official confirmation from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is eagerly awaited.

Recent reports indicate that the construction progress of this monumental project, touted as the longest sea bridge in India, stands at an impressive 97 percent completion. Significantly, the chosen opening date coincides with the 99th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Earlier this year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a symbolic journey across the iconic bridge on an open-deck BEST bus on May 24, marking a significant milestone in the project timeline.

The latest updates reveal that 78 out of 130 CCTV poles have been successfully installed. Additionally, MMRDA has accomplished over half of the toll infrastructure work, further solidifying the bridge’s readiness for public use.

Amidst speculation about the impending inauguration, a BJP leader expressed their thoughts on the transformative project, stating, “These are times when one is pleasantly surprised by the swift progress, in stark contrast to past experiences where infrastructure projects seemed to linger on indefinitely.”

The MTHL project, with an estimated cost of INR 18,000 crore, spans a total distance of 21.8 kilometers, encompassing 16 km over water and 6 km over land. Stretching from Sewri in South Mumbai to Chirle in Raigad district, the sea link significantly reduces the current 52-kilometer distance between the two points.

An innovative feature of the bridge is the implementation of India’s first Open Road Tolling (ORT) system. This system is designed to streamline toll collection processes and enhance traffic flow on the bridge.

Upon its anticipated opening, the MTHL is projected to accommodate around 70,000 vehicles daily. The project’s construction was strategically divided into three packages, each addressing specific sections of the bridge. Package 1, managed by L&T-IHI, covers a 10.38-km section connecting to the Eastern Motorway in Sewri. Package 2, executed through a joint venture between Daewoo and TATA, spans 7.807 km and includes an interchange at Shivaji Nagar, enhancing connectivity to JNPT, Ulwe, and the airport sectors of Navi Mumbai. Package 3, overseen by L&T, encompasses a 3.613-km stretch on the Chirle side, featuring an interchange connecting State Route 54 and the NH4 Mumbai Pune Highway.