The Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link project achieves a significant milestone
The construction of India’s longest sea- bridge – the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) – reached a momentous milestone on 24 May, bringing it closer to commissioning. The under-construction sea-bridge, whose major portion is being constructed by L&T, linked Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr Eknath Shinde and his deputy Mr Devendra Fadnavis visited the project site to celebrate the milestone.
The event was graced by dignitaries from the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai: Dr Fukahori Yasukata (Consul-General), Ms Mori Reiko (Consul) and Mr Vivek Kulkarni (General Consultant), along with Ms Taeko Iwamoto (Representative of JICA India). Other notables present included Mr Rahul Shewale (MP), Mr Bhushan Gagrani (Additional Chief Secretary – Maharashtra) and several senior officials of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Mr S V Desai (Whole-time Director & Sr EVP – Civil Infrastructure, L&T) and his team welcomed the dignitaries to the project site.
They were offered an overview of the megaproject – its significance, the challenges encountered in construction and the remarkable milestones. Thereafter, a heritage open-deck BEST bus was flagged off from Mumbai towards Navi Mumbai, and it became the first vehicle to cross MTHL.
The Chief Minister expressed his delight at the milestone and emphasised the positive impact that MTHL will have on the lives of people. He referred to the project as a ‘game-changer for the state’. Appreciating the project team’s efforts, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Fadnavis said: “The road to a trillion-dollar economy passes through the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link.”
In a symbolic gesture of progress and connectivity, Mr Fadnavis took to the wheel of a car, along with the Chief Minister, and drove across MTHL.
Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi took to Twitter to accentuate the significance of the project. The tweet resonated with millions, highlighting the government’s commitment. The event culminated in a dazzling display of celebration, as a magnificent fireworks spectacle illuminated the sky, casting vibrant colours over MTHL.
MTHL is a 21.8 km 6-lane bridge connecting Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. Starting at Sewri in south Mumbai, it crosses the Thane Creek north of Elephanta Island and touches down at Chirle, near Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai. MTHL will facilitate connectivity to the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport, JNPT Port, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Mumbai-Goa Highway.
The project is being executed using many unique products and state-of-the-art construction methods. L&T, along with its partner in the project IHI of Japan, has collaborated with many internationally reputed firms to deliver the project with the highest standards of quality and safety.
