Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Mumbai yesterday, inaugurated several development projects worth Rs 30,500 crore during his visit to Maharashtra. One of the projects he inaugurated was India’s longest sea bridge, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. He also inaugurated the extension of a suburban rail corridor and a mega facilitation centre for gems and jewellery, and laid the foundation stone of a tunnel road in south Mumbai.
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu is 21.8 kilometre-long and was built at an estimated cost of Rs 17,840 crore. It also includes a 16.5-kilometre-long portion over sea. This infrastructure project is expected to significantly reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, from several hours to just 15-20 minutes. This development is poised to spur growth in the region, particularly benefiting the area that encompasses a major port and an upcoming international airport.
As per the officials, the bridge will also enhance connectivity between Mumbai Port, situated in the southern part of the city, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, a crucial trade facility located in Nhava Sheva within the neighboring Raigad district.
What other projects did PM Modi inaugurate?
The Prime Minister at an event in Navi Mumbai inaugurated the 14.60-kilometer Kharkopar-Uran segment within the 27-kilometer Belapur-Seawoods-Uran suburban corridor. This stretch, constructed at a cost of Rs 2,973.35 crore, was funded through a collaborative effort, with the Maharashtra government’s planning authority CIDCO contributing 67% and the Railways covering the remaining 33%.
The development of this railway line has been underway since the 1990s, encountering several delays. PM Modi inaugurated the second phase, featuring five stations and multiple bridges. Currently, 40 suburban services operate on this route, and the extension to Uran is expected to enhance connectivity to the region, including its Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Digha Gaon railway line along the Thane-Vashi transharbour line of Central Railway, aimed at alleviating congestion at Thane and Airoli stations on the route.
He also inaugurated the 6th line between Khar and Goregaon, a development that facilitates the separation of long-distance and suburban trains within Western Railway’s Mumbai division. The 8.8-kilometer stretch, constructed at a cost of Rs 425 crore, was finalised in November 2023.
He laid the foundation stone of the ambitious 9.2 kilometre tunnel connecting Orange Gate on Eastern Freeway and Marine Drive. This will help speed up traffic in areas surrounding Mumbai Port, CSMT and GPO along with Nariman Point and will be constructed at a cost of Rs 8,700 crore.
The first phase of the Surya regional bulk drinking water project, constructed at a total cost of Rs 1,975 crore, was also inaugurated by PM Modi yesterday. This initiative is poised to significantly enhance water supply in Thane and Palghar districts, benefiting a population of 14 lakh in the region.
Besides all this, he also inaugurated the ‘Bharat Ratnam’ (Mega Common Facilitation Centre) for the gems and jewellery sector at Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone- Special Economic Zone (SEEPZ SEZ) in Mumbai. This facility, the first of its kind in India, is equipped with state-of-the-art machines, including cutting-edge technology like 3D Metal printing.
Lastly, he inaugurated the New Enterprises and Services Tower (NEST)-01 at SEEPZ- SEZ. This tower is specifically designated for gem and jewellery units, which are slated to be shifted from the current Standard Design Factory-I. The new tower has been strategically designed to accommodate large-scale production, aligning with the industry’s demand.
(With PTI inputs)