MUMBAI: The motor department has reduced the maximum speed for vehicles on India's longest sea bridge, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), to 100 kmph. According to the order issued by the motor department, bikes, autorickshaws and tractors are not allowed to use the bridge.

The new order was issued ahead of the inauguration of the sea bridge built in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate MTHL.

Cars, minibuses, double-decker buses, taxis etc. are only allowed to travel through the bridge at a maximum speed of 100 kmph. The order states that the speed of vehicles should be reduced to 40 kmph before ascending and descending the bridge. City-bound multi-axle heavy vehicles, trucks and other buses do not have access to the MTHL. The order also states that vehicles carrying animals should cross the border through other routes.

The Motor Vehicle Department informed that the new move is for the safety of the people. Built at an investment of Rs 18,000 crore, the bridge starts from Sewri in Mumbai and ends at Nhava Sheva in Raigad district. The six-lane MTHL bridge spans 16.5 km over sea and 5 km over land. Travelers can reach Navi Mumbai from Mumbai by sea bridge in just 20 minutes. Normally it takes two hours to reach Navi Mumbai from Mumbai.