The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is exploring new revenue streams from the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link as traffic volumes on the bridge remain lower than initially projected.
According to reports, the authority has invited bids for advertising rights on hoardings and kiosks along the 21-km sea bridge. It is also considering leasing optical fibre cable (OFC) infrastructure to telecom operators as part of its plan to monetise available assets along the corridor.
MMRDA expects the advertising initiative alone to generate at least Rs 2.5 crore annually.
The proposal includes approximately 4,100 square metres of advertising space across the bridge. This comprises 11 illuminated hoardings measuring 40×40 feet, more than 1,200 smaller kiosk hoardings of 3×6 feet along the road divider, and additional advertising panels measuring 80×30 feet at toll plazas. Advertising rights will be granted for a period of ten years to the bidder offering the highest revenue share.
In addition, the authority plans to licence two 50-mm OFC ducts installed along the bridge to telecom and wireless internet service providers to improve digital connectivity across the corridor. The potential revenue expected from this telecom leasing has not yet been disclosed. Similar monetisation models are also being examined for Mumbai Metro Line 2A and Mumbai Metro Line 7.
The bridge, inaugurated by Narendra Modi on January 13, 2024, was projected to handle around 40,000 vehicles daily in its first year, based on a study conducted by MMRDA in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
However, average daily traffic during the first year was about 22,689 vehicles, resulting in toll collections falling nearly 30% short of projections. Between April and December 2025, toll revenue from the bridge was approximately Rs 160 crore.
Officials attribute the lower traffic numbers to incomplete approach infrastructure, including the Sewri-Worli Connector, the proposed link to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Reports also suggest that high toll charges may be discouraging some commuters, who continue to rely on the Vashi Bridge and Airoli Bridge. The toll for cars travelling the full Sewri–Chirle stretch is Rs 250, while the fare between Sewri and Shivaji Nagar in Ulwe is Rs 200.
According to reports, MMRDA officials said that “average daily toll earnings are around Rs 27 lakh to Rs 30 lakh, roughly 30% lower than projected estimates”, reflecting the lower traffic levels.
Source: Best Media Info
