RTI Query Reveals More Than 11 Lakh Vehicles Used MTHL in Over 3 Months
RTI Query Reveals More Than 11 Lakh Vehicles Used MTHL in Over 3 Months
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), in response to an RTI query, revealed that the MTHL has collected over Rs. 22.57 crore in three and a half months since its inauguration.
9th May 2024
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, known as the Atal Setu, is a monumental 21.8-kilometre-long bridge spanning from Sewri in Mumbai to the Nhava Sheva area in Raigad district. This significant infrastructure project, constructed at a total expenditure of ₹17,840 crore, stands as the longest sea bridge in India.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), in response to an RTI query, revealed that the MTHL has collected over Rs. 22.57 crore in three and a half months since its inauguration.
On 18th January, RTI activist Ajay Bose submitted an application to the MMRDA, seeking information regarding the traffic volume on the specified route between 12th January and 23rd April, as well as the total toll revenue generated during this period.
Bose told mid-day that, “The MMRDA took a long time to respond to me. I had to approach the appellate authority to seek the details which were shared with me a few days ago.”
The sea link is designed to accommodate various vehicle types, such as LMVs, buses and multi-axle vehicles. According to the RTI disclosure, over 1 million vehicles passing through were categorised as cars, jeeps or vans, with the remaining being mini-buses and multi-axle vehicles. Ajay Bose noted that this category of cars, jeeps and vans contributed the most to toll revenue, exceeding Rs 20 crore.
The bridge’s inception traces back to December 2016, when Prime Minister Modi initiated its construction by laying its foundation stone. The name ‘Atal Setu’ not only symbolises this remarkable feat in India’s infrastructure development but also pays homage to the late former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
