Longest Sea Bridge in India; Mumbai Trans-Harbour link to open on January 12

After a long wait and time spent in the construction, the Mumbai Trans-Harbour link is set to open on January 12, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the bridge. It is supposed to be the longest sea bridge in India, which is also likely to ensure smooth transportation for Navi Mumbai's residents as it connects the suburbs to the city.

Before the inauguration takes place, here are some important facts that you must know about the MTHL. 

All you need to know about MTHL: 

1. The bridge has been named the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.
2. Being considered the longest sea bridge in India, the MTHL is a six-lane, 21.8-km-long bridge, which is 16.5 km above sea level. 
3. The bridge will start in Sewri, South Mumbai, and will cross Thane Creek north of Elephanta Island and terminate at Chirle village, near Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai.
4. As the bridge is likely to improve connectivity by connecting the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with Navi Mumbai, it will also make the travel time between Sewri in central Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai 15 to 20 minutes.
5. The bridge will be linked with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway through an elevated corridor in the future. 
6. It has one emergency lane on both sides.
7. There are interchanges in the bridge; at Sewri in Mumbai, Shivaji Nagar SH-54 in Jasai, and Chirle on NH-348. 
8. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 17,843 Crore.
9. The bridge is expected to carry around 70,000 vehicles daily.
10. The toll charge is kept at Rs 250 as a one-way for cars, with inputs from MMRDA and Hindustan Times.