Bidding process for the trans harbour link is likely to start by December 2015
MUMBAI: The l ong- pending Mumbai Trans Harbour Link ( MTHL) project received a major boost on Friday with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assuring chief minister Devendra Fadnavis of fast tracking the loan for the project. Fadnavis is presently touring Japan to pitch for Japanese investments in the state.
According to sources in the chief minister’s office (CMO), based on the technical and socio-environmental studies conducted by JICA and parleys between the state government and JICA officials on Thursday, JICA has given an in-principle nod to fund the MTHL project. The bidding process for the project – a sealink between Sewri (Mumbai) and Nhava (Raigad), to connect Mumbai with the mainland – is likely to start by December 2015.
“We were keen the project bags the funding from JICA as it comes with credibility that few other funding agencies can lend,” said an official, requesting anonymity.
The MTHL project is pegged at Rs11,000 crore. JICA is expected to provide a loan amounting to 80% of the project cost at an annual interest rate of 1.4%.
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has also agreed to assist the state government in the development of Metro projects at Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune.
Fadnavis tweeted: “MoU signed between METI and GoM for Public-Private Cooperative Actions Towards further development of Maharashtra.”
The state has already begun talks with METI for financial assistance to develop a 118-kmlong elevated metro network in the city, pegged at Rs35,400 crore.
Fadnavis tweeted: “Both, GoM & @METI_JPN recognised further cooperation in the devpt of Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune Metro & to develop Smart city in Navi Mumbai SEZ.” He tweeted: “Japan Intl Cooperation Agency (JICA) to start public consultation on Mumbai Metro next week and will also support the bullet train project.”
Officials said the CM announced a re-route of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train with the upcoming Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor in mind. Part of Nashik falls in the project area and the state wanted to ensure better connectivity.
JICA agreed to support tourism infrastructure in Ajanta and Lonar.
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