Bridging Mumbai: Atal Setu Unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 January 2024
In an effort to decongest the rising traffic in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) began debating ways to rectify this alarming situation in 1990. While there were bridges between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai, they were far too narrow. Therefore, a proposal was submitted in 2012 to the government of Maharashtra to build a comprehensive link between the two cities to handle more traffic and make travel easier, faster, safer, and hassle-free.
Approved in 2012, the project was completed in December 2023 and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendar Modi on January 12, 2024. Also known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, the sea bridge is open for public commutes as of January 14, 2024. India’s longest sea bridge covers approximately 21.8 km, out of which 16.5 km is over the sea.
As the epitome of ‘Viksit Bharat’, the six-lane expressway is projected to expect a commute of over 70,000 vehicles per day, with over 17,000 labourers and 1,500 engineers, and create innumerous employment opportunities in the transport and construction industries. More than Rs 12,700 crore worth of projects’ foundations were laid down by the prime minister in Navi Mumbai, across various sectors like transport, drinking water, jewellery, women’s empowerment, etc.
Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the MTHL has been finished to provide the citizens of Mumbai with a progressive transit infrastructure, substantially improving the connectivity in the city. Not only will the sea bridge reduce the commute time to the Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, but it will also reduce the transit duration to Pune, Goa, and other South Indian cities considerably. It is also projected to reduce the travel time between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminus. To ensure enhanced security on the bridge, the government has equipped it with over 400 cameras and thermal cameras for fog detection.
Also called the Sewri Nhava Sheva Link, it’s the 12th longest sea bridge in the world and is envisioned to save Mumbaikar’s valuable time. The trans-harbour link begins at Sewri in South Mumbai and ends at Chirle in Navi Mumbai, cutting down the travel time between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai to 20 minutes. Furthermore, the commute from South Mumbai to the New Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) has been reduced by 30-45 minutes during peak hours. MTHL will also be linking the proposed Third Mumbai, near Navi Mumbai International Airport, to Mumbai.
Final Thoughts
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) epitomises Mumbai’s dedication to progress and connectivity. As India’s longest sea bridge, it drastically cuts commute times, reduces congestion, and fuels economic growth. Serving as a vital link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the MTHL heralds a new era of regional development and unity. It stands as a symbol of innovation and resilience, propelling the city towards a brighter, more interconnected future
