A spectacular event set to redefine Mumbai’s skyline, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge, today. This engineering marvel, named the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, is poised to revolutionize the way Mumbaikars traverse between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, promising to shrink the daunting two-hour journey to a mere 15-20 minutes.
The Atal Setu, spanning an impressive 21.8 kilometers, stands as a testament to modern infrastructure and ingenuity. With a hefty price tag of over Rs 17,840 crore, this sea bridge has been a long-cherished dream materialized under the visionary leadership of PM Modi.
This transformative bridge connects the bustling cityscape of South Mumbai to the emerging hub of Navi Mumbai, weaving a seamless link between Sewri and Nhava Sheva. The endeavor to slash travel time is not only a matter of convenience but a strategic move to boost economic activities between these two vital regions.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maharashtra today goes beyond the inauguration of Atal Setu. He will unfurl a tapestry of projects worth a staggering Rs 30,500 crore, a testament to the government’s commitment to infrastructural development. As part of this grand unveiling, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for an underground road tunnel connecting Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate and launch the Namo Mahila Shashaktikaran Abhiyaan, a scheme aimed at empowering women in the state.
“The Prime Minister’s vision is to improve the ‘ease of mobility’ for citizens by strengthening urban transport infrastructure and connectivity. The Mumbai Transharbour link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu,’ has been built in line with this vision,” declares an official release.
The Atal Setu is not just a connection of concrete and steel; it’s a gateway to progress. The bridge is strategically positioned to enhance connectivity to both Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, thereby reducing travel time to destinations like Pune, Goa, and South India. Additionally, it promises to fortify the link between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, unlocking new avenues for trade and commerce.
The Mumbai Police has also pitched in to ensure a smooth ride on the Atal Setu. Maximum speed limits of 100 kilometers per hour have been set for four-wheelers, while motorbikes, autorickshaws, and tractors are prohibited. Cars, taxis, light motor vehicles, minibuses, and two-axle buses can whiz through at the same speed, except for a cautious slowdown to 40 kilometers per hour on the ascent and descent of the bridge.
The foundation stone of this grand structure was laid by PM Modi in December 2016, and today, it stands tall as a symbol of progress, unity, and a brighter future for Mumbai. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu is not merely a bridge; it’s a lifeline connecting dreams, opportunities, and the spirit of a dynamic city on the move. As the ribbon is cut and the Atal Setu opens its gates, it heralds a new era for Mumbai, one where time and distance bow before the prowess of human innovation.