New Year Gift : Mumbai Trans Harbour Link To Now Open In January 2024 

By: Pune Pulse

November 25, 2023

Pune: According to a senior bureaucrat, the state’s urban development department had proposed a toll of Rs 500 for the upcoming Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) between Sewri and Nhava Sheva. However, the chief minister’s office found the proposal to be unrealistic despite being calculated based on central government norms.

As per the information provided, the cabinet is anticipated to put forth a substantial subsidy and decrease the toll by 40-50%. As per Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the long-awaited project is projected to commence by the end of January 2024. As per information, the original intention was to inaugurate the bridge for public use on December 25, coinciding with Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. However, it seems to be challenging to achieve that timeline.

As per the information received, the proposed toll of Rs 500 was determined using a formula created by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), as well as a formula utilized for the Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL). The toll tax collection for BWSL commenced on June 1, 2009, with an initial fee of Rs 50. As per NHAI regulations, there was an 18% increase every three years.

The toll fee is determined by taking into account the real expenses of the project, its duration, the volume of traffic, and the period of concession. “The urban department has provided comprehensive information on the MTHL project, including the methodology used to arrive at the toll fee of Rs 500,” stated the bureaucrat.

The cabinet will review the entire proposal, and it is anticipated that toll fees will be reduced by 40-50%. This measure aims to prevent any initial protests from road users. In regards to the inauguration of the bridge, a specific date has not yet been determined, but it will be announced in the near future. A letter has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding three projects, including MTHL. However, no confirmation from the PMO has been received so far.

Additionally, arrangements to commence the project at the earliest convenience, ideally prior to January 20 are still unfinished. Essential tasks, specifically those related to traffic management and automated toll collection, are yet to be done. Although it may appear insignificant, it requires a considerable amount of time.