Bridging the gap

This is what we call perseverance. Despite two unsuccessful attempts in the past, the MMRDA, led by Rahul Asthana, Commissioner, is all set to revive the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) development project. The project will be implemented on a public-private partnership model. The flagship project is planned to connect Sewri in the north-eastern part of the island city with Nhava Sheva (JNPT port area) across the creek.The 22 km development project is expected to cost more than Rs 1,100 crore and will include the construction of five flyovers. It will be a six-lane road bridge along with provisions for two lanes for a Metro line.The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) was handling the project initially, but it was later handed over to the MMRDA. The authority is in talks with the World Bank for funding the project. It is also simultaneously working on various financial models to minimise the cost of the project to ensure that it is able to avail Viability Gap Funding from the Union government.