Asia Press Agency

Tag: toll collection

  • PM Modi to Inaugurate India’s Longest Sea Bridge

    PM Modi to Inaugurate India’s Longest Sea Bridge

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on January 12, 2024, marking a historic moment in India’s infrastructure landscape. The bridge, officially named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu,’ is not only the longest sea bridge in the country but also ranks 12th among the longest sea bridges globally. The inauguration ceremony is expected to take place at approximately 3:30 pm in Mumbai.

     

    “I look forward to being among the people of Maharashtra tomorrow, 12th January, which is also the Jayanti of Jija Mata and Swami Vivekananda. In Nashik, I will pray at the Shree Kalaram Mandir and attend the National Youth Festival,” PM Modi shared in a post on social media.

     

    The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, now officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, is a testament to India’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his anticipation for the inauguration, stating that the bridge would bring about economic growth in the areas it connects.

     

    The MTHL is a remarkable engineering feat, boasting a total length of approximately 21.8 kilometers, with a six-lane configuration. Notably, around 16.5 kilometers of the bridge span over the sea, making it the longest sea bridge in India. An additional 5.5 kilometers of the bridge are constructed on the land, linking Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

     

    The Metropolitan Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Sanjay Mukherjee, highlighted the scale of materials used in constructing the bridge. The steel used for the MTHL is reportedly 17 times that of the Eiffel Tower, and the structural steel is four times that of the iconic Howrah Bridge. Moreover, the quantity of concrete utilized in the bridge’s construction is six times that of the Statue of Liberty in the United States.

     

    The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu has been built at a total cost exceeding ₹17,840 crore, as stated in an official release. The completion of this mega-infrastructure project is expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

     

    In conjunction with the inauguration of the MTHL, the Maharashtra government has approved a proposal for toll collection on the bridge. According to the decision, a one-way toll of ₹250 for cars will be charged. The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, clarified that only half of the amount, in compliance with existing toll collection rules, will be levied.

     

    The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is poised to become a crucial link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, addressing longstanding challenges related to congestion and connectivity. As one of the key infrastructure projects in the region, the MTHL is expected to facilitate smoother transportation and contribute to the economic development of the areas it serves.

     

    The inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu by Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development but also underscores the government’s commitment to advancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. The bridge’s strategic importance in linking major urban centers reflects a forward-looking approach to infrastructure planning and development.

     

    As the longest sea bridge in India, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link symbolizes progress and modernization, reflecting the nation’s aspirations for a well-connected and prosperous future. The successful completion of such mega-infrastructure projects contributes to India’s standing on the global stage and reinforces its capabilities in executing complex engineering endeavors.

     

    The inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024, marks a momentous occasion in India’s infrastructure journey. The bridge’s significance in enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development is underscored by its status as the longest sea bridge in the country. As the nation looks forward to reaping the benefits of this mega-infrastructure project, the MTHL stands as a symbol of progress, resilience, and the nation’s commitment to building a robust and interconnected future.

  • Amit Shah Inaugurates Widened Highway in Odisha

    Amit Shah Inaugurates Widened Highway in Odisha

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the widened Kamakhyanagar-Duburi section, now expanded to four lanes at a cost of ₹761 crore, in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. During the event, he also laid the foundation stone for the road widening and strengthening project from Motar to Baner via Ladugaon, estimated at ₹34 crore. The ceremony was graced by Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister of Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan.

     

    In his address to the gathering, Amit Shah highlighted the significance of the newly expanded Kamakhyanagar-Duburi highway, which spans over 51 kilometers and will strengthen connectivity between the mineral-rich districts of Angul and Dhenkanal in Odisha. This project aims to enhance the linkage of these districts with the national highway network, facilitating smoother transportation and boosting economic activities in the region.

     

    Praising the government’s scientific approach, Shah emphasized how it has streamlined toll collection through fast tags, expedited land acquisition processes, promptly resolved disputes, and utilized technology and alternative funding methods to accelerate highway construction. These efforts have not only improved infrastructure but have also contributed to the country’s economic growth.

     

    Amit Shah acknowledged the significant financial support extended by the Modi government to Odisha, including a substantial increase in devolution and grant-in-aid from ₹1,14,000 crore to ₹4,57,000 crore. He also lauded crucial infrastructure projects, social welfare schemes, and disaster management initiatives that have positively impacted the state’s progress.

     

    The Union Home Minister also commended Odisha’s disaster management efforts, which have resulted in reduced loss of life and property during cyclones and natural calamities. The state’s proactive approach in disaster management serves as an exemplary model for the rest of the nation.

     

    The inauguration of the Kamakhyanagar-Duburi highway and the foundation stone laying ceremony mark significant steps towards further development and progress in Odisha. The government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting economic growth is evident through such initiatives, which aim to improve the lives of the people and create a prosperous future for the state.