India’s longest sea bridge, the Atal Setu in Mumbai, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), has seen an impressive turnout in the first month since its inauguration. The bridge, connecting Sewri in South Mumbai and Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai, has witnessed over eight lakh vehicles pass through since it became operational on January 13. The Atal Setu spans 21.8 kms and has significantly reduced travel time between the two locations from two hours to just 30 minutes.
The megastructure, constructed with 177,903 metric tonnes of steel, has become an essential transportation link, capable of handling about 70,000 vehicles daily. However, concerns have been raised about the toll evasion, with nearly 4 per cent of vehicles passing without paying, resulting in an average loss of ₹30,000 per day for the authorities.
The high number of vehicles on the bridge has also brought attention to the issue of road safety, with four accidents recorded in the first month, leading to five injuries. Despite this, the Atal Setu boasts several safety features, including 400 cameras, speed guns to track overspeeding vehicles, and a 24X7 control room monitoring the bridge.
Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner at MMRDA, has expressed satisfaction at the bridge’s success, stating that the journey from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai has been reduced to just 20 minutes. However, he also emphasized the need to address toll evasion and ensure the safety of commuters using the bridge.
The Atal Setu has not only revolutionized travel between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, but it has also become a symbol of engineering marvel and a vital part of India’s infrastructure development. As more vehicles continue to ply on the bridge, authorities are expected to take necessary measures to address concerns and ensure the smooth operation of the Atal Setu.
