Everything about the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)

Whether you’re a resident of Mumbai or not, you have probably heard about the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. Crowned the longest sea bridge in India, the project has been stalling due to various reasons for the past few years.

However, it is considered one of the biggest architectural feats in Mumbai at the moment. Also known as the Sewri Nhava Sheva Trans Harbour Link, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is supposed to connect one end of Mumbai to the other, alleviating one of the biggest issues Mumbaikars currently face, traffic.

In this article, we cover everything that you need to know about the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. From the origins and the construction timeline to the effect this link is supposed to have on the connectivity and property prices in Mumbai, we will discuss it all here.

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What is the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link?

Also known as the Sewri Nhava Sheva Trans Harbour Link, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is a 21. 8 Km long sea bridge that will connect Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The proposed sea link is a six-lane highway with a crash barrier, edge strip and two emergency exit lanes, making it approximately 27 metres wide.

Since its conceptualization, the sea link has increased in cost exponentially. What started out in 2005 as an INR 4000 Crore project was revised as INR 17,843 Crore in September of 2021. The reasons for such a substantial increase in costs is the design changes and some COVID-19 related delays in construction.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will connect from Sewri, South Mumbai and Chirle village crossing Thane Creek north of Elephanta Islands.

Significant additions to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

1. Noise and Vision Barriers

Since the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link passes near the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Sewri Mudflats, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has decided to install noise and vision barriers on a six-kilometre stretch on the sea link.

While the noise barrier is to protect the migratory birds that visit the Sewri Mudflats, the vision barriers are supposed to protect the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.

2. Metro Lines

Although a metro line system was proposed in the initial stages of discussions over the sea link, it is still under debate. The plan was to add two metro lines right below the roads of the sea link.

In 2021, an MMRDA official said, "There will be no need for extra construction on MTHL for the Metro line, as we will just have to add tracks. Already, Worli-Sewri underground Metro corridor is being constructed. The Sewri Metro station will connect MTHL, thereby linking it to Navi Mumbai."

However, two of the six lanes on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will be dedicated to a bus rapid system according to officials. 

3. Bird Watching Platform

An existing temporary bridge on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link was created to transport equipment and workers. Since then, the MMRDA has decided t turn the temporary bridge into a bird-watching platform. The bridge was 5.6 km long.

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Effect of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link on Real Estate

While Mumbai might only sigh with relief from traffic congestions by the building of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Navi Mumbai will reap the most benefits when it comes to growth riding on the back of the sea link.

Since property prices in South Mumbai are already high and rising, the connectivity to Navi Mumbai would only push it further a little bit. However, Navi Mumbai gets three major benefits out of the construction o the sea link.

1. Connectivity To Proposed Airport

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is in close proximity to the Navi Mumbai International airport. This would reduce the load on the Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport. Experts also suggest that such connectivity would provide a lifting hand to the logistics industry in Navi Mumbai.

2. Effect on Commercial Real Estate

A growing logistics industry can mean only one thing, an increase in the commercial real estate in the area. This means construction of commercial infrastructure like warehouses, shipyards etc. will increase. This only forwards the cause of creating more connectivity to Navi Mumbai.

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3. Development Boon In Navi Mumbai

Builders like Arihant Group, Kalpataru Group, Godrej Properties, and Marathon Group have already bought huge parcels of land in the Nav Mumba region. Many more developers have moved their attention to the localities in Navi Mumbai for their upcoming residential projects. Localities like Dronagiri, Panvel, Ulwe, and Vashi noted a 30% increase in property prices from 2011-2016.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is a project in its own league in India for now. Although experts are confident in predicting the implications of the construction of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link on the city, there are still some variables that might change the picture for the better.

The good news about the construction of this link is the consideration given to the ecological systems it will pass through. Along with the improved connectivity, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will serve as a feather in the cap of one of India’s construction giants, Larsen & Toubro.

The construction of this link has been overdue and overpromised to the citizens of the city of dreams. With the installation of the first Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD), however, the construction of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link seems on track.