In a step towards India's infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as the Atal Setu, on January 12. The Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office confirmed this event, which marks a new chapter in the country's connectivity and transportation landscape.
Built over seven years under the supervision of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the MTHL has been engineered to last for a century. The bridge incorporates three interchanges that link diverse highways and roads, anticipating a substantial increase in traffic from 39,300 passenger cars in its inaugural year to an estimated 1.03 lakh cars by 2032, as indicated in the MMRDA's quarterly progress report.
Named after the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Atal Setu spans an impressive 22 kilometres, making it the longest sea bridge ever constructed in India. Originating from Sewri in Mumbai, the bridge terminates at Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka in Raigad district. The completion of this monumental project comes with a hefty price tag of INR 18,000 crore.
Not only this, the MTHL's construction involved a staggering 177,903 metric tonnes of steel and 504,253 metric tonnes of cement, showcasing the engineering marvel behind the project. Currently, the bridge has only two access points to Navi Mumbai—one from the Airoli-Mulund connector and the other from the Vashi connector. These access points are crucial for ensuring effective connectivity and accessibility for commuters.
The MTHL targets to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. This six-lane bridge is expected to streamline travel for commuters, allowing them to cover the distance in just 20 minutes, a journey that previously took two hours.
Ahead of the inauguration, the Mumbai Police issued guidelines for vehicular traffic on the MTHL to ensure safety and order. The maximum speed limit for four-wheelers on the sea bridge is capped at 100 kmph. Motorbikes, autorickshaws, and tractors are prohibited from using the bridge, contributing to a safer and more efficient commuting experience.
According to Mumbai Police officials, vehicles such as cars, taxis, light motor vehicles, minibuses, and two-axle buses will be subject to the 100 kmph speed limit. Additionally, the speed limit during the ascent and descent from the bridge will be restricted to 40 kmph. These measures are implemented to curb potential dangers, obstructions, and inconveniences to the public, ensuring a smooth traffic flow.
The restrictions extend to specific vehicle categories, including motorcycles, mopeds, autorickshaws, tractors, and slow-moving vehicles, which will not be permitted on the bridge. Multi-axle heavy vehicles, trucks, and buses heading towards Mumbai are directed to use the Mumbai Port-Sewri Exit (Exit 1C) and take the MBPT Road near "Gadi Adda" for further movement, as they won't have access to the Eastern Freeway.
(With inputs from PTI)
