Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), today, January 12th at 3.30 pm. The inauguration is set to herald the completion of an extraordinary sea bridge that spans nearly 22 kilometers and stands as the world’s 12th longest. This project, under construction since 2018, is an important occasion in India’s infrastructure landscape, promising to enhance travel efficiency between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai by reducing the commute time from two hours to a mere 20 minutes.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu in honor of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, carries an estimated cost of Rs 17,843 crore, making it one of the country’s most expensive endeavors. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), overseeing the project, has been diligently preparing for the inauguration, recently floating tenders for event management and project management consultants.
Preparations are in full swing for the grand opening, and on January 4, 2024, the pricing details for toll rates were disclosed. The toll charges for a one-way trip stand at Rs. 250, while a round trip incurs a fee of Rs. 375. For those opting for a day pass, the charge is set at Rs. 625, and a monthly pass is available for Rs. 12,500.
Anticipated to accommodate 70,000 vehicles daily, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will allow a maximum speed limit of 100 kmph for four-wheelers. However, motorcycles, autorickshaws, and tractors are restricted from using the sea bridge. To ensure public safety, the Mumbai police have imposed speed limits on the bridge, with cars, taxis, light motor vehicles, minibuses, and two-axle buses restricted to a maximum speed of 100 kmph, and the speed limited to 40 kmph on the ascent and descent of the bridge.
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link to Transform Mumbai City Expansion
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is an extensive project, totalling 16.50 kilometres on the sea and 5.5 kilometres on land. It features six lanes and incorporates interchanges at Sewri in Mumbai and Shivaji Nagar, Jassi, and Chirle on National Highway 4B on the Navi Mumbai end. Notably, the sea bridge incorporates artificial intelligence-based cameras designed to alert the control room in the event of vehicle breakdowns. This proactive measure minimises congestion, as stranded vehicles can swiftly be towed away via emergency lanes.
The sea bridge is strategically designed to cater to the needs of daily commuters, providing a seamless and efficient connection between the bustling city of Mumbai and the satellite city of Navi Mumbai. With a maximum speed limit in place, the MTHL is poised to offer a swift and safe passage for vehicles while ensuring the well-being of the public.
