Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: Economic Development
Topic: Infrastructure.
Context: PM Modi inaugurates the 22-km Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge.
Issue: India’s Longest Sea Bridge.
Synopsis:
- The link connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Raigad, Navi Mumbai, reducing travel time by 45 minutes.
- Renamed from ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.
- Loan assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Benefits and Usage:
- Improves connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and reduces congestion between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
- Faster access to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Expected to substantially reduce travel time to key destinations in Maharashtra and southern parts of the country.
- Promotes regional economic development, and reduces travel time to Alibaug, Pune, Goa, and southern regions. Connectivity Boost: Enhances connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, facilitating economic growth and development.
Challenges:
- Constructing segments in the marine portion required digging as deep as 47 meters, posing engineering challenges.
- The bridge’s proximity to sensitive establishments like ONGC, JNPT, and BARC complicated construction to avoid damage to underwater installations.
- While engineers and experts were sourced globally, coordinating diverse teams and ensuring seamless collaboration presented logistical and communication challenges.
Iconic Indian Bridges:1.    Bandra Worli Sea Link (Mumbai):Cable-supported bridge, opened in 2009.Connects Western and Southern Mumbai, reducing travel time from one hour to 10-15 minutes. 2.    Howrah Bridge (Kolkata): Constructed in 1943 over Hooghly river. Famous landmark of Kolkata, constructed without using any nuts or bolts. 3.    Vidyasagar Setu (Kolkata): Second Hooghly bridge, opened in 1992. Named after Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, longest cable bridge in India, with six lanes. 4.    Mahatma Gandhi Setu (Bihar): Over Ganges, opened in 1982, connecting Patna and Hajipur. Constructed by Gammon India Limited, commemorated with a postal stamp. 5.    Pamban Bridge (Tamil Nadu): Opened in 1914, linking Rameshwaram island and mainland. Features a central part that can be opened for passing ferries. |
6.    Coronation Bridge (West Bengal):Over Teesta river in Siliguri, named after King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s coronation.
7.    Golden Bridge (Gujarat): Constructed in 1881 over the Narmada river. A significant landmark built by the British for trade and access to Mumbai. 8.    Godavari Arch Bridge (Rajahmundry): Best arch bridge in Asia, spanning Godavari River. Prestressed bridge, resistant to cyclonic storms. 9.    Jadukata Bridge (Meghalaya): Cantilever bridge spanning Kynshi river in Ranikor. 10. Dhola-Sadiya Bridge (Assam-Arunachal Pradesh): Longest river bridge in India, opened in 2017 over Lohit river. Connects Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, reducing travel time and enhancing border protection capabilities.  |
