Author: Karunesh Verma
Introduction
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024, has successfully redefined daily commutes, significantly reducing travel time from the once 2 hours to a mere 20-30 minutes between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai. This transformative improvement in connectivity has spurred a surge in housing demand and elevated real estate values, particularly in Navi Mumbai and Panvel.
Enhanced Connectivity that Drove a Real Estate Surge
The MTHL successfully made reaching Navi Mumbai more convenient from Central and South Mumbai than accessing areas like Andheri in the western suburbs or Ghatkopar in the central suburbs, where real estate prices were 3 to 4 times higher. Improved connectivity and reduced travel time enticed homebuyers to invest in larger and more affordable homes in Navi Mumbai, diverting them from the pricier and smaller Mumbai suburbs with inadequate infrastructure.
Benefits Realized for Frequent Travelers
The MTHL’s link with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway through an elevated corridor delivered additional benefits for frequent travelers between Mumbai and Pune. Furthermore, its proximity to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) positioned it as a transformative element for the region.
Traffic Relief and Infrastructure Development Achieved
Anticipating the positive impact on traffic, a senior police official mentioned, “It has reduced the existing traffic load on the Sion-Panvel Highway, making the movement of emergency vehicles more efficient. The MTHL has also alleviated the load on the toll plaza at Vashi, redirecting traffic seamlessly.”
A developer, optimistic about the broader impact, stated, “The MTHL has not only influenced Navi Mumbai and Panvel but has changed the socio-economic landscape of the entire Maharashtra region. The 21.8-km-long MTHL has brought areas like Ulwe, Dronagiri, and NAINA areas within the development mainstream, positively affecting real estate and other sectors.”
Past Concerns over Toll Charges
However, there were reservations regarding the heavy toll charges proposed by state government authorities. A developer expressed concern, suggesting that toll charges on the MTHL should have been reasonable, especially considering the absence of tolls on the Eastern Freeway and Coastal Road.
Government Emphasis on Past Infrastructure Development
The state government had placed significant emphasis on infrastructure development in the Navi Mumbai region, with completed projects like NMIA, Sion-Panvel Highway expansion, Metro connectivity between CSM International Airport and NMIA, Nerul Passenger Water Transport Terminal, Coastal Road connecting MTHL and NMIA, and future Metro lines in Navi Mumbai and Panvel-Karjat additional railway line. These projects had contributed to the economic development of the satellite city.
Holistic Lifestyle Benefits Enjoyed in the Past
Apart from economic advantages, the region offered homebuyers a serene environment with a pollution-free atmosphere and one of the best Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the country. Leading developers and infrastructure experts had expanded their services to Navi Mumbai, with numerous large-scale real estate projects that enhanced the overall quality of life in the satellite city.
About MTHL in the Past
The MTHL, a road bridge connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, was the longest sea bridge in India, spanning 21.8 km. It began in Sewri, South Mumbai, crossed Thane Creek north of Elephanta Island, and terminated at Chirle village near Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai. With a faster connection to the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport, JNPT Port, Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and Mumbai–Goa Highway, the MTHL was a critical component of the region’s infrastructure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link stands as a testament to the evolved landscape of Navi Mumbai and its impact on past real estate dynamics. Bharat One Spaces recognized the transformative potential of this development and offered fully furnished and ready-to-work offices starting at Rs 4999/month, strategically positioned near NMIA and JNPT, providing an ideal workspace for businesses to thrive in this dynamic environment.