Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, India’s Longest Sea Bridge
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.’ This monumental sea bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 21,200 crore, is not only the longest in India but also ranks as the 12th longest in the world.
Key Highlights:
– The MTHL significantly reduces travel time between Mumbai and Pune Expressway, offering connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
– Stretching from Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka, Raigad district, the bridge shortens the distance between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to just 20 minutes, a substantial improvement from the previous 2-hour journey.
– The MTHL, a six-lane sea link, comprises a 16.50-kilometer stretch over the sea and 5.50 kilometers on land. The Maharashtra government has approved a one-way toll of Rs 250 for cars.
– Toll rates will differ for return journeys and frequent travelers, with a planned revision post-review after one year of operation.
– The bridge’s construction utilized steel weighing roughly as much as 500 Boeing planes and 17 times the weight of Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
– Anticipating heavy usage, around 70,000 vehicles are expected to traverse the bridge daily.
– The maximum speed limit for four-wheelers is set at 100 kilometers per hour, with restrictions on motorbikes, autorickshaws, and tractors.
– Specific speed limits apply on the ascent and descent of the bridge, with a restriction of 40 kilometers per hour.
– Multi-axle heavy vehicles, trucks, and buses headed towards Mumbai will follow specific routes, avoiding the Eastern Freeway, as outlined by Mumbai Police.
This inauguration marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times in the Mumbai metropolitan region.