Mumbai Trans Harbour Link: CM Shinde Flags Of 22Km Long Sea Bridge

In the latest development for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today, May 24, embarked on a ride across the iconic bridge on an open-deck BEST bus.

The CM in presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged the largest sea bridge. He had a panoramic view of the bridge, which is expected to be opened to traffic by November this year.

मुंबई पारबंदर प्रकल्पांतर्गत (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Project) मुंबई ते मुख्य भूमीशी (mainland) प्रत्यक्ष जोडणी आज माझ्या आणि उपमुख्यमंत्री @Dev_Fadnavis यांच्या प्रमुख उपस्थितीत झाली.

याप्रसंगी खासदार @shewale_rahul , नगरविकास विभागाचे अतिरिक्त मुख्य सचिव भूषण गगराणी,… pic.twitter.com/Gux4zaICU6

— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) May 24, 2023

The bridge has completed end-to-end connectivity with the placement of the last steel deck span, known as the "Golden Joint". It will connect Package 1 and Package 2 over the sea. As part of the celebration, a boom barrier will be raised to mark the entrance of Shinde.

The construction progress of the MTHL is rapidly advancing, with the right-hand side of the bridge having completed its construction phase. Moreover, the bridge's left-hand side is on track to finish its concrete span deck works by the end of June.

Currently, the focus is on crucial post-construction tasks, such as waterproofing, the application of bitumen and cement, and the installation of crash barriers. These essential measures are being taken to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the bridge. The MTHL has achieved a significant milestone with the placement of the last steel deck span, marking the completion of the end-to-end connection.

Once completed, the MTHL will hold the distinction of being the longest sea bridge in India. It will span 22 km, with 16 km on water and 6 km on land. One of the notable features of the bridge is the implementation of India's first Open Road Tolling (ORT) system. This system aims to streamline the toll collection process and facilitate smoother traffic flow.

The MTHL is now at an impressive 95% completion rate. It is constructed at a cost exceeding INR 18,000 crore. Once operational, it is expected to accommodate approximately 70,000 trucks. The construction of the MTHL was divided into three packages, each catering to specific sections of the bridge. 

Package 1, executed by L&T-IHI, spans 10.38 km and connects to the Eastern Motorway in Sewri. Package 2, implemented through a joint venture between Daewoo and TATA, covers a 7.807-km section and includes an interchange at Shivaji Nagar, facilitating connectivity to JNPT, Ulwe, and the airport sectors of Navi Mumbai. Package 3, undertaken by L&T, encompasses a 3.613-km stretch on the Chirle side and incorporates an interchange connecting State Route 54 and the NH4 Mumbai Pune Highway.

MTHL is going to reduce travel time between Sewri in South Mumbai and Chirle in Navi Mumbai is expected. The project holds immense potential for transforming the connectivity and economic landscape of the region. It will improve connectivity among cities such as Pune, Goa, Panvel, and Alibaug, and alleviate traffic congestion at airports. Additionally, the bridge will significantly reduce road mileage and travel time.