On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis inspected the under-construction Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and flagged off the first bus to cross the MTHL. The duo even drove a car on the proposed bridge.
Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister said that the project will change the socio-economy scenario of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and will be a game changer for the entire state since Maharashtra contributes 12 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Building the bridge will also create a bridge between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai Raigad taking only 20 minutes. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present for the inaugural of the project.
The Deputy CM spoke about the MTHL as well, adding it was not only a bridge but an economic corridor that will help resolve the problems in Mumbai, offering a 15-minute travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. He also thanked the Japanese government for the support they extended for the construction of this bridge.
The commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, SVR Srinivas, mentioned that 95 percent of the project has been completed and added that it was set to be finished by the end of this year.
The project consists of an approximately 22 kilometer long 6-tier (3+3 lane 2 emergency lane) bridge connecting Shivdi in Mumbai city and Nhava on the mainland. It is due to be completed in November 2023. The Project affected persons have been rehabilitated and the fishermen whose livelihood has been affected by the project have been provided compensation consistent with Government policies.
JICA is the Japan International Cooperation Agency, a large funding and research organization. It is headquartered in Tokyo and is focused on providing development assistance to developing countries around the world.
Rahul Shewale is a current Member of Parliament of the NDA alliance. He first joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1987 and has extensive political experience including holding the position of Ward Chairman, Lok Sabha MP, and now in Parliament representing the Shivaji Nagar constituency in the Maharashtra state. He has offered his support to the education and know-how of technology through research as well as health and infrastructure development in rural India.
