Mumbai:

A 3-hour ordeal to journey from India’s monetary capital Mumbai to its satellite tv for pc metropolis Navi Mumbai will probably be reduce to fifteen minutes when the nation’s longest sea bridge opens later this yr, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has mentioned.

The 22 km-long Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) will open to the general public in November this yr, linking join upscale South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and Raigad, Mr Shinde instructed NDTV in an unique interview.

“The current travel time from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai is 2.5 to 3 hours. It will be reduced to 15 minutes,” Mr Shinde instructed NDTV.

The bridge may even be the primary within the nation to have an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system, a expertise in use in nations like Singapore the place a car doesn’t must cease to pay a toll. Of its 22 km size, 16.5 km will traverse the ocean.

“This bridge has international technology. This project will give a big boost to the economy,” Mr Shinde mentioned.

The Trans-Harbour Link may even be linked to the under-construction eight-lane coastal freeway which begins from Marine Drive to the Worli finish of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

“The MTHL will save a lot of fuel. By reducing travel time from hours to minutes, it will play a huge role in reducing air pollution,” the Chief Minister mentioned.

Mr Shinde added that his authorities is working with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to start numerous developmental works in Mumbai. He alleged that there has not been any actual work carried out within the metropolis in the previous few years.

“We are working with the BMC. Sewage treatment plants, pothole-free roads, hospitals, etc. will be our primary focus. Mumbai will change soon,” Mr Shinde mentioned.

“This is a project of superlatives. India’s longest sea bridge, the first project to use OSD technology, reverse circulation. Construction of the bridge took the ecosystem into account, which is why pelicans and flamingos are back despite heavy machinery functioning,” SVR Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary and Metropolitan Commissioner mentioned.

Mr Srinivas mentioned the variety of wires used within the mission if joined collectively, can go across the earth.

“Most importantly, the impact of this project will not only benefit Mumbai but also the country at large. As the islands get connected with the mainland, it will open up new avenues for further growth,” he mentioned.

Mr Srinivas added that just about 90% of the development has been accomplished.