Atal Setu: PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge in Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Mumbai Trans-harbour link (MTHL), now named 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu', constructed at a cost of over Rs 17,840 crore.

The Atal Setu is about 21.8 km-long six-lane bridge having about 16.5 km length over sea and about 5.5 km on land. It is the longest sea bridge in the country. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in December 2016.

An official release had said that the Prime Minister's vision is to improve the 'ease of mobility' of citizens by strengthening urban transport infrastructure and connectivity. The bridge has been built in line with this vision, reported PTI, citing the release.


It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport and will also reduce travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India. It will also improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, the release said.

Also Read: What is Third Mumbai aka NAINA? All you need to know about the new city which will be connected by Atal Setu

Spur to Navi Mumbai
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had highlighted the project's significance, stating that the MTHL will spur development in Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas. Connecting South Mumbai to the new Navi Mumbai airport and Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the 22-km long Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will enhance connectivity and reduce travel time.

The bridge will cut travel time between central Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to 20 minutes from two hours. It is also being said that the Setu will turn Navi Mumbai region to premium suburb, terming the bridge as a gamechanger. According to research firm CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics, across India, the public and private sectors combined will invest Rs 96 lakh crore infrastructure from 2024-2030, nearly double the total from the previous seven years.

Also Read: Atal Setu bridge only the beginning? Modi govt’s ambitious infra push bears fruit

Mumbai Trans Harbour Link - Entry rules
The Mumbai police implemented speed restrictions on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link , citing concerns about potential dangers, obstructions, and inconvenience to the public. The Rs 18,000-crore project starts from Sewri in Mumbai and concludes at Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka in Raigad district. The 6-lane sea link spans 16.50 kilometers on the sea and 5.5 km on land, significantly reducing travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai from 2 hours to just 20 minutes.

Heavy multi-axle vehicles, trucks, and buses destined for Mumbai will not be allowed entry on the Eastern Freeway. Instead, they must use the Mumbai Port-Sewri Exit (Exit 1C) and follow the MBPT Road near 'Gadi Adda' for further movement.

Also Read: Atal Setu toll rates revised: Check the updated toll list

Mumbai Trans Harbour Link - Toll rates
To utilize the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, motorists will have to pay a toll fee of Rs 250 for a one-way trip and Rs 375 for a round trip, making it India's most expensive toll road connected to Mumbai. The state government plans to review the toll after one year. In comparison, the 5.6 km Bandra-Worli sea link has a toll of Rs 85 (Rs 127 for a round trip). A monthly pass for Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will be 50 times the one-way fare at Rs 12,500 per month.

(With inputs from agencies)