Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)

Key features MTHL

• It connects Mumbai to the mainland:
  • It starts from Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi The 22-km-long sea link is the longest in the country and the tenth longest in the world.
  • The project cost is Rs 17,843 crore.
• Use of Orthotropic Steel Deck technology for the first time in India:
  • The sea link passes through one of the busiest navigational channels leading to Nhava Sheva Port. Orthotropic Steel Decks are special steel decks that enable a span (distance between two piers) that is up to three times longer than the norm.
• Reverse Circulation Drilling:
  • This is the first time this technology was used in India. This is used for laying the pile foundation.
  • Usually, a vertical drilling method is used to lay a pile foundation. This creates a lot of noise, disturbing the surroundings. This was one of the major reasons for environmentalists to oppose the project. Instead, Reverse Circulation Technology has made a difference.
• High Containment Crash Barriers: MMRDA plans to use these on the MTHL. These are special crash barriers that will push the car back on the road in case of a crash. Normal crash barriers only take the impact of a crash.

MTHL will achieve:

• Physical and economic development of Navi Mumbai and Raigad district
• Faster connectivity with the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport
• Faster connectivity of Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port
• Saving in fuel, saving in travel time by about 1 hour due to reduction of distance of about 15 km between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Goa highway
• Help decongest traffic in Mumbai city

 

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Q1) What is orthotropic steel?

An "orthotropic bridge" is one in which all superstructure components are made completely of steel. An "orthotropic deck bridge" is a welded, all-steel superstructure that acts as a single, integral unit. Main members may be plate, box, or other girders.

Source: En Route to Many Firsts for India: Here’s Why Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Is An Engineering Marvel