After a lot of waiting the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) which is also called the ‘Atal Setu’ has finally been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on a short Maharashtra trip. The ‘Atal Setu’, officially named as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu is a six-lane 21.8 kilometre long sea bridge, which is also India’s longest sea bridge spanning an impressive 16.5 kilometres over the sea and another 5.5 kilometres on land. This bridge, built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crores radically reduces the travel time of two hours between Sewri and Nhava Sheva to just over 15 minutes.

Atal Setu

The bridge aims to enhance connectivity to both Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, reducing travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa, and South India. Additionally, it will improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, as stated in the release. Mumbai Police has also announced that the permitted speed limit for four-wheelers on the bridge will be 100 kmph.

However, it must be noted that no rickshaws, bikes or tractors are allowed on the bridge and only Cars, taxis, light motor vehicles, minibuses, and two-axle buses will be permitted on the bridge. These vehicles will have a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour. However, the speed will be restricted to 40 kilometres per hour on the ascent and descent of the bridge. It has also been informed that a passenger car will be charged Rs 250 on the bridge, whereas, the prices for return journeys, as well as for daily and frequent drivers will differ.

The bridge is said to help with environmental sustainability as recognised by the Bombay Natural History Society for environmental sustainability. The bridge also features river circulation rings to reduce sound and vibrations and is equipped an advanced traffic management system for safety and efficiency.

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