Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge, inaugurated

Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge, inaugurated- In a historic moment on January 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge, connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai. This engineering marvel, officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, spans an impressive 21.8 km, comprising a 16.5 km stretch over the sea and an additional 5.5 km on the land.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), marks a significant leap in urban transport infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Atal Setu is a symbol of a developed India, where facilities and prosperity reach every corner of the country, fostering continuous progress.

The primary goal of this architectural feat is to provide swift connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, ultimately reducing travel time to Pune, Goa, and South India. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, pivotal for economic activities in the region.

To ensure the safety of commuters, the government has installed nearly 400 cameras, including thermal cameras for fog detection, along the bridge. The state home department has designated jurisdiction for two police stations to oversee the security, with Sewri in Mumbai covering the initial 10.8 km and the remaining stretch overseen by Uran in Navi Mumbai.

As part of the infrastructure development initiative, toll charges have been set at ₹250 for a one-way journey. The government anticipates an average of 70,000 vehicles daily on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, with traffic projections estimating over 1.33 lakh vehicles at the Sewri-Shivaji Nagar/Chirle interchanges by 2032, expected to surpass 2 lakh vehicles by 2042.

The Atal Setu project aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Modi's vision to enhance the "ease of mobility" for citizens, marking a giant stride towards a more connected and prosperous India. This groundbreaking bridge is not just a physical link but a testament to the nation's commitment to progress and development.

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