The proposed Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (‘MTHL') is been planned to facilitate faster connectivity and reduce the travelling time between the island city and main land (Navi Mumbai) and also the development of Navi Mumbai Region. The link was envisaged about 35 years back. Earlier three attempts in the year 2006, 2007 and 2013 by the Government authorities to take up the Project in various modes including PPP and EPC did not succeed. Govt. of Maharashtra, vide G.R. dated 4th February 2009, decided that the project will be owned and implemented by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

Accordingly, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has undertaken the implementation of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Project, connecting Sewri on Mumbai side to Chirle on Navi Mumbai side. This important link having length of about 21.8 Km is being implemented considering the importance of connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. On completion of this project, the commuters traveling from Mumbai towards Navi Mumbai,Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Panvel, Goa, Pune will not only be saving travel time but will also save in terms of fuel. This will also help reduce the traffic congestion in Mumbai and facilitate development of Navi Mumbai area.

It has been decided to implement the project on EPC (Design-Build) basis with Official Development Loan assistance from JICA. JICA planned the project to be implemented 3 Packages of Civil works and 1 package containing the Intelligent Transport System. The Contract Agreements were signed on 26th December 2017 for Package 1 and 3 and on 19th January 2018 for Package 2. The letters of Commencements have been issued to Contractors of Package-1, Package-2 & Package-3 Contractors on 23rd March 2018.

Benefits of the MTHL Project are -

Direct benefits

Saving in travel time, Vehicle Operating Cost and Fuel Savings
Decongestion in Mumbai
Accelerated growth of Navi Mumbai
Faster access to Navi Mumbai International Airport
Connectivity to Pune Expressway
Connectivity to MbPT and JNPT Ports

Indirect Benefits

Environment improvement and reduced pollution level
Rationalization of real estate prices in Greater Mumbai
Greater economic integration of Mumbai with Navi Mumbai and extended regions of Panvel, Pune, Alibaug, Goa
Increases employment opportunity.

The Project is being implemented in 4 Packages:
1. Package-1
Construction of 10.380 km long bridge section (CH 0+000 to CH10+380) across the Mumbai Bay Including Sewri Interchange.

2. Package-2
Construction of 7.807 km long bridge section (CH 10+380 –CH 18+187) across the Mumbai Bay including Shivaji Nagar Interchange.

3. Package-3
Construction of 3.613 km long viaduct section (CH 18+187 – CH 21+ 800) including interchanges at State Highway-54 and at National Highway-4B near Chirle in Navi Mumbai.

4. Package-4
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) includes Toll and Transport Management System and Equipment Installation for the Project. PQ for Package-4 is planned to be issued at the third Quarter of 2018.

The construction of the proposed Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will not only reduce the travelling cost and time but also help in the development of real estate sector near Navi Mumbai and especially for Projects in Panvel with the upcoming Airport.

Source: https://www.balajisymphony.com/blog/faster-connectivity-now-between-mumbai-and-navi-mumbai-through-trans-harbour-link/