The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Maharashtra unit recently announced a potential opening of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on December 25, proclaiming it as India’s longest sea bridge. However, with only 97% completion, the inauguration may face delays until January 2024.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, a 21.8 km road bridge connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, has a storied history dating back to 1963. The project, initially proposed as the Uran Bridge, faced setbacks until gaining momentum in 2017 under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Aiming to reduce travel time during peak hours, the MTHL’s inauguration, initially set for December 25, might see delays due to pending electrification, pole erection, toll booth installation, and system integration.
The MTHL strategically links key areas, including the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport, JNPT Port, Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and Mumbai–Goa Highway. Comprising a 16.50-km sea link and a 5.5-km land portion, the MTHL features a 6-lane highway with seven orthotropic steel deck spans, a first-of-its-kind application in India.
Managed by MMRDA, the MTHL project’s estimated cost is Rs 17,843 crore. General consultants, including AECOM Asia Company Ltd., PADECO Co Ltd, Dar Al-Handasah, and TY Lin International, oversaw the project built in four stages. Packages covered bridge construction, viaducts, interchanges, and intelligent transport systems.
The MTHL addresses Mumbai’s traffic challenges and promises seamless connectivity, especially with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Expected to reduce travel time by 30-45 minutes during peak hours, it aims to enhance overall connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Initially projected for completion in September 2023, the MMRDA now states 97% completion, with a likely finish in January 2024. The BJP Maharashtra unit declared an inauguration on December 25, yet the official stance from the Maharashtra government remains unannounced.
As the MTHL project approaches completion, its impact on Mumbai’s traffic landscape and connectivity remains eagerly anticipated. The potential delay in the inauguration signifies the complexities involved in executing ambitious infrastructure projects in densely populated urban regions. The MTHL, once operational, is poised to be a transformative solution for commuters between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
