Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge
- The Atal Setu, formerly known as the Mumbai Transharbour Link (MTHL), is a 21.8-km long, six-lane bridge that connects Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai.
- It is the longest bridge and also the longest sea bridge in India, with 16.5 km of its length over the sea.
- The bridge was built at a cost of about ₹17,840 crore and is expected to ferry almost 70,000 vehicles daily on completion.
Features of Atal Setu
- The bridge has a lifespan of 100 years and is equipped with specially-designed lighting poles to withstand high-velocity winds during monsoons and a Lightning Protection System.
- An 8.5-km noise barrier has been installed from Sewri to protect a flamingo protected area and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
- The bridge will reduce the travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India. The distance between Panvel in Raigad district to Sewri in south-central Mumbai will be reduced by 15 kilometres, while travel time will come down from around two hours to 15 to 20 minutes.
- The Maharashtra government has cleared a proposal to charge ₹250 as a one-way toll for cars on the Setu.
Benefits of Atal Setu
- The bridge is expected to improve the connectivity and ease of mobility for citizens in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
- It will reduce traffic congestion on existing roads and bridges.
- It will provide faster access to the Mumbai International Airport and the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- The bridge will boost economic activity in the region by improving connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The inauguration of the Atal Setu is a major milestone in India’s infrastructure development. The bridge is expected to have a significant impact on the economy and lives of people in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.