Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate India’s Longest Sea Bridge on January 12
Mumbai, 31st December 2023: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on January 12. The MTHL, boasting a length of 21.8 kilometres, will be India’s longest sea bridge, connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Raigad district. The inauguration is expected to mark a significant milestone in reducing travel time between the two points from two hours to approximately 15-20 minutes.
Chief Minister Shinde emphasized the economic benefits that the MTHL is anticipated to bring to the areas connected by the bridge, fostering economic development and growth. The bridge is also set to provide a vital link to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, facilitating improved connectivity between the two major cities in the state.
Despite facing criticism from opposition parties regarding delays in completion, the MTHL reached 96% completion by September, making it the world’s longest sea bridge. Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray has been vocal in expressing dissatisfaction with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the state government for the delayed inauguration.
Spanning approximately 22 kilometres, with a sea expanse of 16.5 kilometres, the MTHL is designed to enhance East-West connectivity. It is expected to streamline the transportation of labour and raw materials from Navi Mumbai to Mumbai City. The bridge’s use of the Orthotropic Steel Deck construction method allows for longer spans between piers, contributing to its significance as a key infrastructure project in the region.
