The longest orthotropic steel deck unveiled for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde

The first longest Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) in package-2 of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) was officially opened by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Wednesday in the presence of the Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. It has a length of 180 m and a mass of 2,300 metric tonnes. An announcement stated that 15 of the 32 OSD spans in the MTHL's package-2 have already been released.

 

If a material's mechanical or thermal properties are distinct and independent in three mutually perpendicular directions, it is said to be orthotropic. Such an orthotropic steel deck superstructure is recommended since it is less self-weight than concrete or composite. In comparison to concrete constructions, the longitudinally stiffened superstructure [the portion of the bridge that provides the horizontal span] can carry traffic loads more effectively and will also increase the carrying capacity of the bridge.

 

On the ongoing sea link project, this is the longest engineering structure to be launched. The first one had its introduction in November 2022. MMRDA Commissioner SVR Srinivas commented on reaching the milestone, saying, "Team MMRDA has accomplished a key milestone for MTHL. The teams are working in unison to complete the project by the end of the year in accordance with our catch-up strategy.

 

On January 3, a 70m long steel deck that was the first of its kind was launched. Sewri in Mumbai and Nhava Sheva near Ulwe in Navi Mumbai would be connected by the link. Sewri in Central Mumbai, Shivaji Nagar in Mumbai Bay, and NH-4 B in Chirle, Navi Mumbai would serve as interchanges for the sea link. The necessary amenities as well as an intelligent transportation system will be installed on the sea bridge. The estimated project cost is Rs17,843 crore.

 

Authorities added that Open Road Tolling (ORT) technology, which is presently used in foreign cities like Singapore, is most likely to be implemented at the link. By using the ORT, tolls are collected without the need for conventional toll booths. Instead, it locates moving vehicles and electronically collects the tax.

 

 

 

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