Mumbai's Trans Harbour Link To Open With Rs 250 Car Toll

Mumbai is gearing up for the grand debut of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), popularly known as Atal Setu, later this month. However, the excitement comes with a price, as car commuters will be subject to a toll of Rs 250.

The Maharashtra Cabinet has given its nod to the toll proposal, finalising the amount after revisions. Initially, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority proposed a toll of Rs 500 per trip based on estimates from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. However, the Urban Development Department (UDD) has reconsidered and set the toll at Rs 250 for cars, taking various factors into account.

The proposed toll, applicable from 2024 to 2053, is set for a 30-year period. The first five years will serve as a benchmark for analysing traffic flow and financial patterns, potentially leading to adjustments in toll rates.

According to the Cabinet note, toll rates will see a 6 percent annual increase. Other vehicles will face varying toll charges, with mini buses at Rs 560, bus/2-axle trucks at Rs 1,180, 3-axle trucks at Rs 1,290, 4-6 axle vehicles at Rs 1,850, and oversized vehicles at Rs 2,250.

The MTHL, with a budget of Rs 17,843 crore, spans 21.8 km, linking Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai. Boasting six lanes, a significant portion of the bridge is built over water. The MTHL is expected to reduce the travel distance between South Mumbai and Chirle by about 30 km, slashing the travel time from hours to just 16 minutes.

The idea of a bridge connecting Mumbai's Island City to the mainland was first proposed in 1962, with the aim of enhancing economic integration between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and surrounding regions such as Pune, Goa, Panvel, and Alibaug.