Delayed Trans Harbour Link project to get a push

MUMBAI: A long-pending Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project may get push by Maharashtra government with clearance to proposed Navi Mumbai airport project.

"We are keen on reviving the project by pushing it before the newly formed state government and I would soon talk to the chief minister on the issue," Minister for Public Works Department (Public Undertaking), Jaydutta Kshirsagar said.

The first phase of MTHL include construction of main bridge with six-lane facility from Sewri to Nhava, the 22 kilometer stretch.

The project was delayed due to controversy over which of the government agencies -- Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) or Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) -- would complete it.

"The MMRDA is already having development project of Rs two lakh crore and therefore I think the work has to be given to MSRDC which is also the Government agency," Kshirsagar said.

A Build Operate and Transfer based model was proposed by MSRDC earlier to the state government and it would be funded by the Centre, Kshirsagar said.

A feasibility report was positive and there is an urgent need to have the project. The MSRDC has also taken necessary environment permissions to start the project, the minister said.

The MTHL is major connecting link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port and the Navi Mumbai airport.