Construction on the ambitious 22-km Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is set to begin in March after the completion of the geological survey by the planning authority. The estimated cost of the project is at Rs 22,000 crore, with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) set to provide Rs 17,843 crore. <br /> <br /> The survey, conducted by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), was essential for soil assessment prior to construction. It is being conducted by a team of four contractors who have been finalised for the MTHL project.<br /> <br /> &quot;We have used boats to carry out the survey, venturing into the sea to test the soil,' shares <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dr DT Thube, Chief Engineer, Engineering Division, MMRDA.</span> 'We are in the last stage of assessing the land on which the piers are set. <br /> <br /> This check will ensure that the venture is feasible. The soil will also be tested for its bearing capacity before construction work begins. A design based on the results of the geological survey will be prepared by the team of contractors; this will be incorporated during construction work.'<br /> <br /> The bridge, which will begin from Sewri, will cross the Thane creek before terminating at Chirle village near Nhava Sheva. The entire project work has been divided into three phases and separate contractors have been assigned for each one. In the first phase, the bridge will be constructed up to 10.38 km from Sewri; in the second, it will extend up to 18.18 km; and in the third, it will extend till Chirle. <br /> <br /> The bridge, which is estimated to be open for public use by 2019, will provide easy access to Navi Mumbai and the Pune Expressway as well as further to southern India.<br /> <br /> To share your perspective on current industry happenings, write in at feedback@ConstructionWorld.in<br />