PM Modi to inaugurate India's longest sea bridge Atal Setu in Mumbai today

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the nation's lengthiest bridge, spanning Thane Creek in the Arabian Sea and linking Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, thereby significantly slashing travel time.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, extending over 21.8 kilometers and officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, is scheduled for launch today at approximately 3:30 PM.

The six-lane bridge comprises a sea stretch of 16.5 kilometers and a land stretch of around 5.5 kilometers. The initial conceptualization of this bridge occurred six decades ago, with the objective of connecting Mumbai's Sewri to Raigad's Chirle.

Key highlights of the Atal Setu project

1.      Improved Connectivity: The construction of Atal Setu aims to enhance connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, covering Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad.

2.      Reduced Travel Time: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) projects a significant reduction in travel time, bringing the commute between Sewri and Chirle down from 61 minutes to less than 20 minutes.

3.      Enhanced Connectivity: The bridge will facilitate quicker access to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, leading to reduced travel times between Mumbai and Pune, Goa, and South India. Additionally, it will bolster connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

4.      Toll Charges: Travellers will incur a one-way toll of ₹250 for using the bridge, with charges for return journeys and frequent commuters varying. A potential toll charge revision may occur after a year, subject to review.

5.      Speed Limits: The maximum speed limit for four-wheelers is set at 100 km/hour, with two-wheelers, tractors, and autorickshaws prohibited from accessing the bridge.

6.      Traffic Estimate: An estimated 70,000 vehicles are anticipated to traverse the bridge daily.

7.      Impressive Structure: The bridge's weight surpasses that of the steel used in constructing the Eiffel Tower by 17 times.

8.      Future Prospects: Beyond the immediate impact of reduced travel time, the full potential of Atal Setu will be realized upon the completion of complementary projects, including the Eastern Freeway-Marine Drive tunnel, Sewri-Worli elevated corridor, Chirle-Palaspe connection with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Navi Mumbai International Airport.

This landmark infrastructure project represents a significant stride towards enhanced connectivity and efficiency in the bustling Mumbai Metropolitan Region.