Mumbai Trans Harbour Link To Be Opened For Public On 12 January

Mumbai is gearing up for a historic moment as the 21.8-kilometer Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), being touted as India's longest sea bridge, is poised to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 January. 

The formal request for the Prime Minister's presence at the inauguration has been dispatched by the state government, awaiting confirmation from the Prime Minister's Office.

According to reports, PM Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the National Youth Festival in Nashik on 12 January, and a formal request has been sent to the central government for his presence for the inauguration of India's longest sea bridge on the same day.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link has successfully cleared load carrying capacity tests conducted over the last fortnight, signalling its readiness to open for vehicular traffic. While the project is operationally completed, some ancillary work outside the vehicular corridor is expected to conclude in the coming days, according to officials.

One key decision awaiting resolution is the toll charges for using the corridor. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed a toll of Rs 500. 

However, considering the upcoming election season, there are discussions about potentially reducing the toll to Rs 300 - Rs 350. 

An official from Mantralaya commented, "The toll proposed by the MMRDA is justified, taking into account the cost of the project, as well as the significant time and fuel savings it will provide. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also heads MMRDA, is expected to make a decision on the toll charges before the bridge's opening."

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is a crucial infrastructure project that aims to enhance connectivity and ease transportation between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Once inaugurated, the bridge is expected to have a transformative impact on the region, facilitating smoother and more efficient travel for commuters.