The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the longest sea bridge in the country, will bring development to Navi Mumbai and other areas, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Saturday

The MTHL originates from Sewri in Mumbai and terminates at Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka in Raigad district. It is constructed for Rs 18,000 crore

"This project would help cover the distance between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai in just 20 minutes which otherwise takes 2 hours. This would provide a big relief to residents of Mumbai as they would be free of traffic snarls," the release quoted CM Shinde as saying

As this bridge will connect Mumbai with the Mumbai-Goa Highway, Vasai and Virar, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad districts, various new projects and big companies would come to Navi Mumbai, ushering in development in the entire region, he said

CM Shinde said the project has been completed without any environmental imbalance and the number of flamingo birds visiting the Sewri coast has risen

After visiting Atal Setu, the chief minister directed MMRDA officials about various aspects of the sea bridge and told them to ensure regular cleanliness, beautification and tree plantation, as per the release

CM Shinde also visited the traffic command centre near Chirle toll plaza on the outskirts of Navi Mumbai and reviewed traffic management and control systems along with CCTV mechanisms. He also interacted with the conservancy staff at Chirle