MUMBAI: Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is all set to complete the work of laying of deck on the entire 16.5-kilometer sea bridge stretch of Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) by May 25-26, a report read.

Vehicles will reportedly be permitted on the bridge once the complete sea link deck has been laid. Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, when finished, will be the country's longest sea bridge and be able to accommodate around 70,000 vehicles. The goal of MTHL is to connect Mumbai and Navi Mumbai in order to lessen traffic congestion and encourage economic growth.

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will concentrate on waterproofing, asphalting and building crash barriers at the sea link once the deck has been launched. The authority will  also start putting up lampposts, CCTV cameras, and toll infrastructure. 

In India, the MTHL sea bridge will be the first to implement an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system. The new mechanism should theoretically allow commuters to pass the toll booth at up to 100 kph without having to stop to pay the toll.

 In order to ease traffic congestion, MMRDA also intends to install cameras powered by artificial intelligence.  AI-based cameras will enable the control room to be informed of vehicle breakdowns, allowing the authorities to tow the disabled cars using the emergency lane.

The MTHL, which was constructed for about Rs. 18,000 crore, will greatly shorten the distance between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Sewri in downtown Mumbai can be reached from Chirle in Navi Mumbai in 15 to 20 minutes. The 22 kilometre long bridge would improve connectivity between Mumbai and locations like Goa, Pune, and Nagpur.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is creating the project. The Japan International Cooperation Agency provides funding to the MMRDA, a Maharashtra government organisation.

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