The Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) is likely to provide up to 80% loan for the ambitious Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project. A team of JICA experts visited Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) office recently and held meetings with the authority officials.
“The Japanese team has given us favorable indications about funding the MTHL project. Out of the total cost of approximately Rs 11,000 crore, the agency is likely to provide us loan to the tune of 80%; which is approximately Rs 8,800 crore,” said Metropolitan Commissioner UPS Madan. The Japanese team also did a preliminary survey of the end points of the 22-km long Trans Harbour Link.
“The agency officials will now work on several aspects of the project in complete detail. Post their analysis, they also provide us with inputs which can enhance the constructability and shorten the construction period of the project. Given their experience in the construction of such long sea bridges, we are looking forward to their suggestions,” added Madan.
“Since the project is now to be constructed on EPC (Engineering-Procurement-Contract) basis, we expect large scale EPC contractor companies (Indian as well as foreign) to show interest in the project. The Japanese experts will submit their analysis in a few months,” concluded Madan.
