RTI reply: Two missed deadline, set for opening next year, MTHL sees cost escalation of Rs 2,192 cr

Originally slated for completion on September 22, 2022, the project faced setbacks due to the Covid-induced lockdowns, leading to two extensions — first to September 22, 2023 and then to December 15, 2023, both unmet. Officials are now targeting an opening in early 2024 for the sea bridge.

Despite two missed deadlines, no penalties have been imposed on the contractors for the project delays, as per RTI information.

The 21.8-km six-lane, access-controlled bridge from Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai has three interchanges. One interchange is at Sewri in South Mumbai, connecting the MTHL to the Eastern Freeway (Mumbai side), the second is at Shivaji Nagar in Ulwe connecting the MTHL to the Navi Mumbai Coastal Road project and the third is at Chirle interchange —where one arm will connect State Highway-54 and the second will connect NH-4 Mumbai-Pune Highway.

The sealink, once opened to the public, will reduce the travel time bringing Mumbai and Navi Mumbai closer. It has been named as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.