Atal Setu, India’s Longest Sea Bridge Inaugurated By PM Modi in Mumbai

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, adding a 21.8-km feather to India’s infrastructure. The sea bridge connects Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Raigad district and is the country’s longest, reducing travel time from an hour and a half to just 20 minutes.

Costing ₹17,840 crore, the MTHL boasts six lanes, with 16.5 km over the sea. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it is expected to enhance transportation, ease traffic, and stimulate economic growth by bringing Mumbai and Navi Mumbai closer.

The bridge facilitates quicker access to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airports, reduces travel time to Pune, Goa, and South India, and enhances connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

Notably, the Atal Setu implements open road tolling, allowing vehicles to pass through toll booths at speeds up to 100 kmph without stopping. IIT Bombay contributed to the project, ensuring earthquake resistance up to 6.5 magnitudes. The bridge’s lighting was carefully chosen to avoid disturbing the aquatic environment.

However, the toll for cars has faced criticism at ₹250 for a single journey and ₹375 for a return trip. Officials defend this by highlighting potential fuel savings of ₹500 per journey. The speed limit for four-wheelers is set at 100 kmph, with restrictions on two-wheelers, auto rickshaws, tractors, and slow-moving vehicles.