Atal Setu opened by PM. Now, Mumbai-Navi Mumbai commute in 20 mins from 2 hours
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the country’s longest sea bridge, on Friday.
The sea bridge, named the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, connects South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and will reduce the current two-hour journey to just around 15-20 minutes.
While inaugurating the bridge, PM Modi said, “This is proof of our resolve that for India’s development, we can take on even the ocean and break the waves.”
The 21.8-kilometre-long bridge has been built at a cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in December 2016 and its construction was done over the last seven years.
The bridge will enhance connectivity to both Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, reducing travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa, and South India. Additionally, it will improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
ALL ABOUT INDIA’S LONGEST SEA BRIDGE
The MTHL will be a six-lane sea link, with 16.50 kilometres of the stretch on sea and 5.50 kilometres on land. Motorbikes, autorickshaws and tractors won’t be allowed on the sea bridge while four-wheelers will have to maintain a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour.
The speed limit is set at 40 kilometres per hour on the ascent and descent of the bridge.
On January 4, the Maharashtra government cleared a proposal to charge a one-way toll of Rs 250 per trip for cars using the MTHL.
For cars undertaking return journeys using the sea bridge, a toll of Rs 375 will be charged. Monthly and daily passes will be available for Rs 625 and Rs 12,500, respectively.
The bridge incorporates advanced features such as automated toll collection and intelligent transport systems, along with orthotropic steel deck spans – a first in India – allowing for longer spans without the need for support pillars that could obstruct shipping routes.
It is also equipped with noise and vision barriers to protect local wildlife and sensitive areas.