Mumbai: City welcomes MTHL despite high toll rates

Those who used the bridge on its opening day reported significant reductions in travel times. Pic/Atul Kamble

The much-awaited public opening of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), officially named Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link, on Saturday was met with a positive response from city residents. Inaugurated by PM Modi on Friday, the 22 km-long bridge is set to reduce commute time along the route from Sewri to Raigad district's Chirle, offering convenience to travellers from areas such as Dadar, too.

Mumbaikars, and those from other states, too, arrived at the bridge to witness its scale, eager to use it. Keralite Reji Joseph, who was accompanied by his son, came to Mumbai with the sole motive of seeing the bridge. "Though the toll rate charged for taxis is high, the view from the bridge when we travelled over the sea was so beautiful that we could never complain," Joseph said.

Vivek Diwekar, a Borivli resident visiting Panvel with his relatives for a family event, said, "Normally, it takes more than an hour to reach Panvel, but after the construction of this bridge, even Google Maps estimates that our travel time will be reduced by approximately 25 minutes." Taxi driver Shamim Siddique also emphasised the time saved, at the cost of high toll rates; the single journey rate charged for cars is Rs 250, while that for buses and two-axle trucks is Rs 830. Those undertaking a return trip in a car will be charged Rs 325. Meanwhile, oversized vehicles will be charged Rs 1580 for a single trip. "Traffic woes will be few, since two-wheelers aren't allowed on the bridge," Siddique said.

Speaking to mid-day, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M Ramkumar said, "Traffic police have been deployed at the bandobast at entry points to ensure rules are followed and vehicles which aren't permitted to use the bridge don't enter." A traffic police officer deployed at a bandobast said the sole toll booth on the MTHL is located in Navi Mumbai. He added, "The speed limit is set at 100 kmph, which allows for faster travel. Apart from motorists, we've also seen fuel tankers using the road."