What do Mumbaikars think about Mumbai Trans Harbour Link?

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, emerges as a monumental infrastructure endeavour set to redefine the connectivity landscape of India's financial capital, Mumbai. Spanning the vast expanse of Mumbai's eastern seaboard, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link promises to unlock new avenues of development, bolster regional connectivity, and alleviate congestion plaguing the city's existing transportation networks.

Stretching over 21.8 kilometres, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link serves as a vital artery linking Mumbai's island city with the mainland across the Thane Creek. With its strategic alignment connecting Sewri in South Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai, the bridge aims to catalyse economic growth, enhance regional accessibility, and foster social cohesion across disparate urban landscapes.

The 21.8 km-long bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12 and opened for the public on the very next day.

A beacon of hope or another nightmare?

In Mumbai, where every inch of space is precious and every minute counts, the announcement of major infrastructure projects often elicits a mixture of excitement and scepticism among the city's residents. One such project that has been making waves in recent years is the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), a mammoth undertaking aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity between Mumbai and its satellite town of Navi Mumbai. But what do Mumbaikars really think about this ambitious infrastructure venture?

At first glance, the prospect of a new bridge spanning the Mumbai Bay, linking Sewri in South Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai, seems like a dream come true for commuters who currently endure hours of traffic congestion and overcrowded trains while making the journey between these two points. The promise of reduced travel time and improved access to employment and recreational opportunities in Navi Mumbai has many resident's hopeful for a brighter, more convenient future.

A transportation link or a symbol of progress?

For some, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link represents more than just a transportation link - it symbolises progress and development for the city. "With Mumbai's population continuing to swell and its existing infrastructure straining under the weight of rapid urbanisation, projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link are essential for keeping the city's economy moving and its residents connected," Milind Vanarse, a Girgaon resident, said.

"Beyond its role as a transportation infrastructure asset, the bridge holds the promise of reshaping urban dynamics, catalysing economic growth, and fostering inclusive development across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Moreover, it sets a precedent for future infrastructure investments, underscoring the imperative of sustainable and resilient urban development in India's rapidly evolving urban milieu," he added.

However, not everyone is convinced of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link's benefits. Some point to the project's staggering cost and question whether such a massive investment in infrastructure is justified given the pressing social and environmental challenges facing Mumbai.

"Large-scale infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link entail substantial financial investments from both public and private stakeholders. The allocation of resources to such mega-projects may divert funds away from essential social welfare programs and infrastructure needs," a Mumbai-based architect said on the condition of anonymity.

Moreover, there are doubts about whether the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will truly alleviate the city's notorious traffic woes or simply shift congestion to other parts of the metropolitan area. Some fear that the bridge will only serve to encourage more car-dependent urban sprawl, exacerbating pollution and further straining Mumbai's already overburdened infrastructure.

As with any large-scale development initiative, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link has sparked debates surrounding its potential drawbacks and implications for Mumbai's urban fabric, environment, and socio-economic dynamics.

Potential environmental impact

One of the primary concerns surrounding the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link relates to its potential environmental impact, particularly on the fragile coastal ecosystem of Thane Creek.

"The construction of the bridge involves extensive dredging, reclamation of mangrove habitats, and alteration of tidal flows, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecological balance in the region. Additionally, increased vehicular traffic associated with the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link may exacerbate air and noise pollution, further degrading environmental quality in surrounding areas," a Sewri-based resident said.

He said the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link's alignment intersects with traditional fishing grounds and coastal communities dependent on fishing activities for their livelihoods. "The construction and operation of the bridge may disrupt fishing operations, restrict access to fishing grounds, and undermine the socio-economic viability of fishing communities. Moreover, the alteration of tidal patterns and water quality could have adverse consequences for marine biodiversity, further impacting the livelihoods of fishing communities."

A glimmer of hope

Amid these debates, the opinions of ordinary Mumbaikars are as diverse as the city itself. For many, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link represents a glimmer of hope in an otherwise gridlocked urban landscape. Others, however, remain sceptical of the project's lofty promises and worry about the potential unintended consequences of such a massive undertaking.

"Ultimately, whether the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will be celebrated as a triumph of engineering and urban planning or lamented as a missed opportunity remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the fate of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will have far-reaching implications for the future of Mumbai and its residents, shaping the city's landscape and defining its identity for generations to come. As construction on the bridge continues apace, only time will tell whether it will be remembered as a visionary solution to Mumbai's transportation challenges or yet another chapter in the city's never-ending struggle with congestion and sprawl," Milind Vanarse said.

The 21.8 km-long Mumbai Trans Harbour Link was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12 and opened for the public on the very next day.

The bridge of which 16.5 km is on the sea and remaining 5.5 viaducts on road on either sides provides end-to-end connectivity between Sewri, South Mumbai to Chirle Navi Mumbai. It has three interchanges at Sewri of South Mumbai, Ulwe and Chirle-- both in Navi Mumbai.

To support the project's costs, the Maharashtra government has approved a one-way toll of Rs 250 for cars using the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. Toll charges for return journeys and frequent travellers will vary, subject to revision after a one-year review from the start of operations, according to the Maharashtra cabinet's decision.