Motorists will have to pay Rs 250 one way on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge, and Rs 375 for a return journey. The 22-km Sewri to Navi Mumbai bridge over the Thane creek will be inaugurated by PM Modi next Friday. State government announced the toll charges to be levied on cars on Thursday, with the cabinet approving a reduction in the proposed toll by 50% from Rs 500 to Rs 250 for a one-way trip.
MUMBAI: Motorists will have to pay Rs 250 one way on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge, and Rs 375 for a return journey. The 22-km Sewri to Navi Mumbai bridge over the Thane creek will be inaugurated by PM Modi next Friday. State government announced the toll charges to be levied on cars on Thursday, with the cabinet approving a reduction in the proposed toll by 50% from Rs 500 to Rs 250 for a one-way trip.
While MMRDA, the nodal agency for the project, had proposed Rs 500, the urban development department was learnt to be in favour of Rs 350. The “concession” is only for cars and toll for larger vehicles is being worked out, said officials. State government will review the toll after one year.
At Rs 250 one way for a car, the toll for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is the most expensive toll road connected to Mumbai. The 5.6km Bandra-Worli sea link has a toll of Rs 85 (Rs 127 for a round trip). A daily pass will be 2.5 times the oneway fare, that is, Rs 625, and a monthly pass will be 50 times the one-way fare (Rs 12,500 per month and Rs 1.5 lakh a year).
aditya Thackeray stated on X, “Challenge to the illegal CM: After sending away employmentcreation industries to the neighbouring favourite state, at least keep the MTHL Toll Free (sic). Why is it that Maharashtra pays… pays taxes, pays toll, pays for their dirty politics… and their favourite state, our neighbour, is forced to accept the industries and investment even when it isn’t ready for it? By the way, has the MTHL, Digha railway station and Uran line inauguration date been announced formally yet?” However, a Cuffe Parade resident, not wishing to be identified, said, “Those staying in South Mumbai will not mind paying Rs 250 to travel to Navi Mumbai, Pen and Ali- baug as they will be able to bypass Mumbai’s congested roads.” Mahendra Hemdev, a Mumbai Citizen Forum mem- ber and resident of Marine Drive said, “Initially, there will be resistance but those from south Mumbai will take this link as it will save time.” Others said the rates may dissuade road users from using the connector. Amey Samant, who is in the Merchant Navy, said, “ I would rather take the traditional route via Sion-Panvel highway as it will be much cheaper.” MG Arun, New Panvel resident who travels to Parel every day, said, “Rs 250 won’t be economical for any car user, unless the person is living beyond Panvel. This is because the exit is at Chirle, 17 km from Panvel. For those in Navi Mumbai to benefit, there should be other exits closer to Ulwe or Belapur or Panvel. Even then, the question arises: Is saving 30 minutes worth Rs 250 unless there’s an emergency? For those in Navi Mumbai, the Vashi bridge, with its Rs 45 toll, may continue to be a preferred route.” Suraj S, a Belapur resident, said, “For frequent travellers, Rs 375 for a return trip is an expensive affair. Petrol cost per day goes to around Rs 500 while taking the existing route.” Ulwe resident Anil Bhor said MTHL will be far more convenient than traditional routes. Another Ulwe local Bhushan Patil said, “The toll should be a little cheaper. But we can save travel time significantly. We appeal to government to slash charges so middle-class can benefit.” The state said it spent Rs 17,843 crore on the project, of which Rs 15,100 crore was loan from JICA. “Distance between SoBo and Panvel will reduce by 15 km and time saved will be 1to 1.5 hours. This will save fuel worth Rs 500 for the trip.”
