Mumbai Trans Harbour Link: The world's second longest sea link
What's the story
Work on India's longest sea link, the world's second longest, is finally set to start in January next year. Officials estimate that by 2023, the 22km-long Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) connecting Sewri and Nhava-Sheva will be a reality. The project was proposed sometime in the 1970-80s, but was delayed due to lack of clearances. Find out all about it.
About
The MTHL will benefit 70,000 vehicles daily
The MTHL will provide easy connectivity to motorists plying between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai: travel time will be cut by an hour. Officials say it will also ease travel for those using the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. According to estimates, about 70,000 vehicles will use the sea link daily. Once completed, it will be the world's second-longest sea link after China's 42-km Qingdao-Huandao link.
Information
Inordinate delays hounded the project since conception
The approval for the project by various studies came in the 1990s, but it ran into various legal and environmental roadblocks, including a controversy over who would complete it, the MMRDA or MSRDC. PM Narendra Modi finally laid its foundation stone in December'16.
Details
JICA will contribute 85% of the project cost
The MMRDA estimated the project cost at Rs. 17,750cr, compared to its original 1980s budget of Rs. 350cr. The Japan International Cooperation Agency will provide 85% of the funds. Work was divided into three parts for its sea-bridge and road components. L&T-IHI, Daewoo-TPL and L&T won the contracts for the three. Officials say the project will be completed in 4.5 years.