Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is now open to the public: All you need to know

Kenneth John Published: January 15, 2024, 04:29 PM IST

On Friday, January 12, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the country's longest sea bridge. The 21.8-kilometer-long sea bridge connecting South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai (between Sewri and Nhava Sheva) will reduce the trip time from two hours to roughly 15-20 minutes.

The Maharashtra government has set the toll levy at Rs 250 for a one-way ride, and Rs 375 for a return pass for cars. A daily pass costs Rs 625, while the monthly pass costs Rs 12,500. While the majority of the tolling will be automatic (open tolling), there will also be a conventional cash payment lane for those who choose to pay cash.

According to the authorities, the maximum speed limit for four-wheelers on the MTHL is 100kmph. Motorbikes, autorickshaws, tractors and other slow-moving vehicles, on the other hand, are not permitted on the sea bridge. The speed limit for the bridge's ascent and descent will be 40kmph.

According to the state government, each travel will save roughly Rs 500 in petrol expenses. Toll charges will be evaluated and maybe adjusted one year after the operation.

Atal Setu is a 6-lane maritime bridge that stretches 5.5 kilometres on land and 16.50 kilometres over the water. Overall, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is 21.8 kilometres long and costs roughly Rs 18,000 crore to construct. The MTHL would also provide access to Navi Mumbai International Airport and the JNPT port. Another purpose of the high-speed Atal Setu bridge is to improve Mumbai's access to the Pune Motorway and the Goa Highway. It will cut travel time from more than two hours to only twenty minutes with signal-free connectivity.

Also note, that the Eastern Freeway will be closed to multi-axle heavy vehicles, trucks, and buses travelling to Mumbai. These trucks must utilize the Mumbai Port-Sewri Exit (Exit 1C) and the MBPT Road at 'Gadi Adda' for onward transit.