In an effort to alleviate the burdensome toll tax process and enhance commuting experiences, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is nearing completion as India’s longest sea bridge. Notably, it will also be the country’s first sea bridge to implement an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system, allowing commuters to seamlessly zoom past toll booths at speeds of up to 100 kmph while still making their payment.
With its staggering cost of over USD 2 billion, the MTHL is poised to revolutionize the way people travel between Mumbai and its satellite city, Navi Mumbai. Upon completion, this engineering marvel will cater to approximately 17,000 vehicles, providing a much-needed boost to the region’s transportation infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that the construction team has finalized nearly 95 percent of the work on the bridge, and they are on track to make it ready for public use before the year draws to a close.
According to SVR Srinivas, the commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, his team has made significant progress on the structures of the bridge. Tomorrow evening, the authorities have scheduled a momentous occasion where they will officially connect the bridge to the mainland during a special event.. Following that, they will carry out the remaining tasks such as laying roads, installing electrical systems, and implementing an intelligent transport system that includes electronic tolling. Srinivas expressed confidence in achieving the ambitious target set two years ago and ensuring that they will complete the project by the end of December.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the MTHL is the drastic reduction in travel time it promises to bring. Once the bridge becomes operational, it will condense what currently takes several hours into a mere 12 to 15 minutes. This newfound connectivity will not only benefit the residents of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai but also open up opportunities for smoother traffic flow between Mumbai, Pune, and Goa.
Around three decades ago, visionary minds conceived the idea of expediting travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, giving birth to the inception of the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link. With the impending visit of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the construction site, excitement builds as the long-awaited dream inches closer to realization.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of enhanced connectivity and improved commuting experiences. As engineers and workers apply the final touches to this monumental sea bridge, it promises to revolutionize the way people traverse between Mumbai and its neighboring regions, bringing relief to countless commuters and ushering in a new era of efficient transportation.
