Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

Mains level: Read the attached story

• Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), officially named the Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link.

Introduction

Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), officially named the Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link.
This 22 km bridge, conceptualized six decades ago, represents a significant development in India’s infrastructure, promising to transform connectivity and economic prospects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Atal Setu: the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

Bridge Specifications: The MTHL is a 22-km-long, six-lane twin-carriageway bridge over the Thane Creek in the Arabian Sea. It connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Raigad district.
Components: The structure comprises a 16.5 km sea link and 5.5 km of viaducts on land at both ends.
Project Objective: Aimed at enhancing connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the MTHL is expected to spur economic growth, reduce travel time, and alleviate congestion on existing routes.

Initial Proposal: The concept of a bay crossing was first proposed in 1963 by Wilbur Smith Associates but remained dormant for decades.
Revival and Challenges: The project was revived in the late 90s, with the first tenders floated in 2006. After initial interest from Reliance Infrastructure and subsequent withdrawal, the project faced multiple bidding challenges.
Funding and Execution: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding, leading to the commencement of work in early 2018. The project cost totaled Rs 21,200 crore, with a significant loan from JICA.

Travel Time Reduction: A study by MMRDA and JICA predicts that the MTHL will cut the average travel time between Sewri and Chirle from 61 minutes to less than 16 minutes.
Economic and Connectivity Benefits: The bridge is expected to integrate Navi Mumbai’s economy with Mumbai and improve connectivity to key locations like the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai Pune Expressway, and the Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Vehicle Usage: An estimated 40,000 vehicles are expected to use the link daily in its opening year.

Accessibility for Commuters: Doubts remain about the bridge’s utility for daily commuters between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, considering the high toll cost and the distance of landing points from main residential areas.
Additional Commuting Costs: The toll fee of Rs 250 for a one-way crossing and the bridge’s landing points being over 10 km from major residential zones like Vashi and Nerul may increase commuting expenses.
Lack of Public Transport Options: As of now, there are no announcements regarding public transport facilities, such as dedicated bus lanes, on the bridge.