Atal Setu: India's longest sea bridge inaugurated by PM Modi in Mumbai

PTC News Desk: In a significant milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, today. The 21.8 km-long six-lane bridge, named after the late BJP veteran and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has been constructed at a cost of Rs 18,000 crore.

Key Highlights:

Massive Construction Effort: The Atal Setu required an impressive 177,903 metric tonnes of steel, equivalent to the weight of 500 Boeing airplanes and 17 times that of the Eiffel Tower's weight.

Strategic Linkage: Connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka, Raigad district, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, from 2 hours to just 20 minutes.

Economic Impacts: Anticipated to stimulate economic development in Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas, the bridge aims to address traffic congestion issues, providing smoother connectivity.

Additional Benefits: The bridge will also cut the distance between Mumbai and Pune Expressway and facilitate access to the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport. It is estimated that 70,000 vehicles will utilize the bridge daily.

PM Modi's Agenda in Maharashtra: During his visit to Maharashtra, PM Modi will inaugurate the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, the longest sea bridge in India.
He will lay the foundation stone for an underground road tunnel connecting Eastern Freeway's Orange Gate to Marine Drive.

Infrastructure Projects: The Prime Minister will dedicate the phase 1 of the Surya regional bulk drinking water project, benefitting nearly 14 lakh people in Palghar and Thane districts.

Various railway projects, including 'Phase 2 of Uran-Kharkopar railway line,' enhancing connectivity to Navi Mumbai, will also be inaugurated, amounting to around Rs 2000 crore. The inauguration of the Atal Setu is poised to be a landmark event, enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region, contributing to economic growth and development.

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ALL ABOUT THE MUMBAI TRANS HARBOUR LINK

Cost and length:

The Atal Setu has been constructed at a total cost exceeding Rs 17,840 crore.
It spans approximately 21.8 km, featuring a six-lane bridge with around 16.5 km over the sea and about 5.5 km on land.

Connectivity enhancement:

The bridge aims to enhance connectivity to Mumbai International Airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport, reducing travel time to Pune, Goa, and South India.
It will also improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, according to official statements.

Speed limits:

Mumbai Police has set the maximum speed limit for four-wheelers on the MTHL at 100 kilometers per hour.
Motorbikes, autorickshaws, and tractors are not permitted on the sea bridge.
Cars, taxis, light motor vehicles, minibuses, and two-axle buses will have a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. However, the speed will be restricted to 40 kilometers per hour on the ascent and descent of the bridge.

Toll charges:

A passenger car will be charged Rs 250 as a one-way toll on the MTHL.
Charges for return journeys, as well as for daily and frequent travelers, will differ.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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