Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 12: Motorists travelling towards the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) through the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) road from Ferry Wharf junction have raised concerns over poor road conditions, despite paying a toll of Rs 40 for using the route.

Commuters have complained about uneven road stretches, faded speed breaker markings and ongoing digging work near Sewri, which they say are causing inconvenience and posing safety risks, particularly during night travel.

During an inspection conducted on May 7, the stretch from Orange Gate towards Atal Setu via the MbPA road was found to be uneven at several locations beneath the Eastern Freeway. Several speed breakers lacked visible markings, while repair work near the signal leading towards Atal Setu had narrowed one side of the road, slowing down traffic movement towards Navi Mumbai and Panvel.

The bottleneck near Sewri junction further added to congestion as vehicles were forced to move through a restricted carriageway.

Motorist Vepul Mane said the road condition was affecting both safety and commuting convenience.

“A few portions of the MbPA road beneath the Eastern Freeway are uneven and even the markings on the speed breakers have disappeared. Ongoing digging work near Sewri has narrowed the road and slowed traffic movement towards Atal Setu. Authorities should ensure proper maintenance of approach roads connected to major infrastructure projects,” he said.

Several motorists also expressed concern over visibility and driving safety during night hours due to damaged road surfaces and unmarked speed breakers.

The inspection highlighted the following issues along the route:

• Uneven road surface at multiple locations

• Faded or missing speed breaker markings

• Ongoing digging work near Sewri junction

• Narrowed lanes causing slow traffic movement

However, a separate inspection on the Atal Setu stretch between Sewri and Navi Mumbai found the MMRDA-maintained carriageway to be in good condition with smooth road surfaces and no major maintenance-related problems.

The Mumbai Port Authority currently collects toll charges from vehicles using roads under its jurisdiction, including the Reay Road–Wadala-Mahul Road stretch connected to the MTHL approach route.

The toll structure includes:

• Cars and three-wheelers: Rs 40

• Trucks: Rs 60

• Trailers and multi-axle vehicles: Rs 90