By Arosh John | Founder – John Real Estate | Editor-in-Chief – Thane Real Estate News
India’s Longest Sea Bridge
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), officially named the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, is a 21.8 km, six-lane expressway bridge connecting Sewri in South Mumbai to Chirle near JNPT in Navi Mumbai, spanning the Thane Creek. Opened in January 2024, it is not just India’s longest sea bridge, but also a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development, marking a new era of connectivity and economic growth.
- Length: 21.8 km (16.5 km sea + 5.5 km land)
- Cost: ₹17,843 crore
- Lanes: 3+3 (six lanes)
- Travel time: Sewri ↔ Navi Mumbai in ~20–25 minutes (down from 1–2 hours via Vashi/Airoli)
- Interchanges: Sewri, Shivajinagar (Ulwe), Chirle (linking to Eastern Freeway, NMIA, JNPT, Mumbai–Pune Expressway)
- Restrictions: Two- and three-wheelers, autos, and tractors are not permitted
- Speed limits: 100 km/h (main span), 40 km/h (ramps)
Toll and EV Policy
- Cars (2025): ₹250 one-way (₹200 Sewri–Ulwe + ₹50 Ulwe–Gavhan), concessional rates valid till 31 Dec 2025.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): As of August 2025, EV cars and buses are exempted from tolls—a significant incentive for green mobility.
Why MTHL Matters
1. Seamless Commute
The bridge offers time-certain travel between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. For professionals, businesses, and logistics operators, this reliability is worth far more than the toll.
2. Airport and Logistics Boost
The link was conceived to integrate Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and JNPT, both critical to India’s trade and aviation growth. With Shivajinagar interchange feeding directly into NMIA, airport access from Mumbai has been transformed.
3. Regional Network Catalyst
MTHL ties into larger projects:
- Eastern Freeway & Sewri–Worli Connector (South Mumbai access)
- Virar–Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor (VAMMC) (north–south industrial corridor)
- Coastal Road spine (ongoing)
This builds a seamless regional transport web across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Thane’s Perspective
Thane does not have a direct ramp into MTHL, but its residents and investors will feel the ripple effects:
- Access to South Mumbai: Via Thane–Belapur Road or Palm Beach–Ulwe, commuters can reach Sewri faster once the Sewri–Worli Connector opens.
- Connectivity to NMIA & JNPT: Industrial and logistics-focused growth nodes (Ulwe, Panvel, Taloja) are now more attractive—expanding investment opportunities for Thane-based buyers seeking diversified MMR exposure.
- Macro Investment Impact: MTHL, along with VAMMC and Thane’s internal projects (Twin Tunnel, Metro, Road Widening), strengthens MMR’s north–south logistics spine. This underpins long-term rental resilience and capital appreciation in Thane’s western and southern corridors.
Quick Answers
- Is this a Mumbai–Thane link? Not exactly. It crosses Thane Creek, but connects Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
- Toll status? ₹250 one-way (cars), concessional till 31 Dec 2025.
- Two-wheelers allowed? No. Bikes, autos, and tractors are prohibited.
- EV benefit? Yes. EV cars and buses are toll-exempt as of Aug 2025.
- Top speed? 100 km/h on the main bridge, 40 km/h on the ramps.
Editorial Take
For Thane, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is less about immediate door-to-door access and more about strategic connectivity gains. As South Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and the upcoming NMIA integrate, Thane’s position as a central, well-connected hub in MMR is reinforced. Investors should watch the Ulwe–Panvel–Taloja belt closely, while continuing to back Thane’s own high-potential corridors. This reiteration of the benefits of the MTHL should reassure the audience about the project’s positive impact.
About the Author
Arosh John is the Founder of John Real Estate, a MahaRERA-registered real estate consultancy based in Thane, and the Editor-in-Chief of Thane Real Estate News. With over a decade of expertise in the Thane property market, he has successfully handled premium residences, luxury villas, resale transactions, and investment advisory for HNIs and NRIs. His in-depth knowledge and experience in the Thane real estate market make him a trusted source of information for homebuyers, investors, and industry stakeholders across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared for general information and educational purposes only. All facts, figures, project details, and government notifications referenced are based on publicly available sources at the time of publication. Infrastructure timelines, toll rates, regulations, and policies are subject to change by authorities, including MMRDA, the Government of Maharashtra, and NHAI. Readers are advised to verify critical details independently and consult with certified professionals before making any real estate or investment decisions. Neither the author nor Thane Real Estate News shall be held responsible for any loss, liability, or decision taken based on this content.
