Engineering Marvel: The Trans Harbour Link Connecting Mumbai’s Future

Introduction:

In the bustling metropolitan city of Mumbai, where the pace of life never slows down, a groundbreaking engineering marvel is ready to deliver its service—a project that promises to revolutionize transportation and redefine connectivity in the city. The Trans Harbour Link (THL) now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’, an ambitious engineering endeavor, holds the key to unlocking Mumbai’s potential and shaping its future. Join us as we explore the intricacies of this monumental project and its significance for the city and its residents.

Key Highlights:

Engineering Features:

• The MTHL is 21.8 km long, including 16.5 km over sea and 5.5 km of viaducts on land on either end of the bridge.
• Bridge is 6-lane elevated highway bridge, which connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. It is the longest sea bridge in India.
• About 165000 tonnes of reinforcing steel and 96,250 tonnes of structural steel and 830,000 cum of concrete used in construction.
• The bridge features prefabricated orthotropic decks that were manufactured in Japan Myanmar, Taiwan & Vietnam and shipped to Karanja Port for assembly.
• Drilling was done using Reverse Circulation Drilling (RCD) technique which is utilized for the first time in India, in order to reduce disturbance to migratory birds.

Special Feature:

1. Earthquake Resistance Design:

Bridge can withstand earthquakes up to 6.5 magnitude, thus giving the lifespan of the bridge to remain intact for over a century. Bridge incorporates base isolation bearings that act as shock absorber to allow small movement during earthquake activity.

2. Noise Reduction Barrier:

MMRDA has installed noise and vision barriers on a 6 km section of the MTHL. Noise barriers are intended to protect the movement of flamingos and migratory birds at the Sewri zone.

3. Automatic Tolling System:

Modern system of toll collection is introduced to allow vehicle to pass by without need to stop by. This will reduce congestion and fuel burned and provide seamless travel.

4. Eco Friendly Lighting:

Bridge is installed with low energy LED lights to protect aquatic species and any disturbance to them.

5. Real Time Traffic Information:

Traffic information system provide real time traffic data to drivers, points of congestion or accidents that helps them taking rightful decision.

Conclusion:

In the changing urban infrastructure of Mumbai, the Trans Harbour Link represents more than just a bridge—it is a symbol of hope, progress, and possibility. As it takes shape against the backdrop of the city’s skyline, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of infrastructure in shaping the destiny of a city and its people. With each passing day, the dream of a more connected, vibrant, and resilient Mumbai draws closer to reality, thanks to the engineering marvel that is the Trans Harbour Link.