Explore India’s Longest Bridge: The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, interesting facts and details
India’s longest bridge, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is on the brink of inauguration by the end of this year, marking a milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. This eagerly anticipated marvel of engineering pledges to revolutionize commuting between Mumbai, Pune, and Goa, making it a game-changer for both daily commuters and tourists alike.
India’s Longest Bridge: Design and Features
Spanning 21.8 km, the MTHL, with a width of 30.1 meters and six lanes, is set to boost connectivity between Mumbai and mainland Navi Mumbai. This strategically constructed bridge aims to decongest the bustling Island city and streamline traffic flow to Pune and Goa.
The bridge’s construction incorporates strategic interchanges at key locations such as Sewri in Mumbai, and Shivaji Nagar, SH-54, and Chirle on the Navi Mumbai side. Furthermore, the MTHL has been built to accommodate a proposed speed limit of 100 km/hour, enabling quicker and more efficient travel.
A New Chapter in Infrastructure Development
The Maharashtra government’s MMRDA, with substantial financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is overseeing this mega-project, estimated to cost over Rs 17,800 crore.
Once operational, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will cater to an estimated 70,000 vehicles daily, thereby earning the title of India’s longest sea bridge. The use of the Open Tolling System will ensure seamless travel from Sewri in central Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai in just 15 to 20 minutes, without the need for a toll stop.
India’s Longest Bridge: Engineering Marvels
The MTHL, India’s longest bridge, is not just a significant development in terms of connectivity; it’s also a marvel of engineering. For the first time in India, Orthotropic steel deck technology has been used in its construction.
The bridge includes the weight equivalent to 17 Eiffel Towers, i.e., 1,70,000 Metric Tons of steel bars, and 85,000 Metric Tons of orthotropic steel – the weight of a Boeing 747 aircraft. The project utilized 48,000 km long prestressing wires, four times the Earth’s diameter, and an astounding 9,75,000 cubic meters of concrete – six times the concrete used for The Statue of Liberty. Additionally, about 35 km long pile liners were used in the construction, 35 times longer than those in the Burj Khalifa.
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Conclusion: A Leap Towards the Future
With the inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, India is taking a gigantic leap in its infrastructure capabilities. This bridge, apart from becoming a crucial commuting route between Mumbai, Pune, and Goa, is a testament to India’s advancements in infrastructure development and engineering prowess. This project stands to redefine commuting experiences, promising a brighter, more connected future for the residents of Pune, Goa, and the surrounding regions.
