Maharashtra approves toll rates for Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

Toll rates approved: The Maharashtra government approved the toll rates for cars traversing the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on Thursday, according to an official statement. MTHL is the country's longest sea bridge, slated for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12.

According to an official from the cabinet, the toll for a one-way journey via a passenger car on the MTHL stands at Rs 250, merely half the prescribed toll rate under current regulations.
Additionally, the toll structure for round trips and regular commuters will differ from the one-time fare, the official disclosed.

The 21.8-kilometre bridge, formally known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, was constructed at a cost of Rs 21,200 crore, with Rs 15,000 crore acquired through loans.

Infrastructural improvement

The cabinet's proposal emphasised that the distance between Panvel in Raigad district and Sewri in south-central Mumbai will be shortened by 15 kilometres, significantly reducing travel time from approximately two hours to a mere 15 to 20 minutes.

Officials estimated a fuel cost reduction of roughly Rs 500 per journey as a result of this infrastructure improvement.

Moreover, the established rates are subject to a review after one year from the commencement of operations, as outlined in the cabinet's decision.

The MTHL boasts six lanes, spanning 16.50 kilometres over the sea and 5.50 kilometres on land, heralding a substantial leap in the region's transportation infrastructure.

(with PTI inputs)