PM Modi Inaugurates India’s longest sea bridge,
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) Atal Setu
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, formally known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu by MMRDA and commonly referred to as Atal Setu, was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 January 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “The inauguration of Atal Setu shows India’s infrastructural prowess and underscores the country’s trajectory towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’. This project employed around 17,000 labourers and 1,500 engineers while also creating employment opportunities in the transport and construction industries.”
Spans 21.8 km (13.5 mi) with six lanes of grade-separated expressway bridge. This landmark structure connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, its satellite city, and stands as India’s longest sea bridge.
The bridge starts in Sewri, South Mumbai, crosses Thane Creek north of Elephanta Island, and ends at Chirle near Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka, Navi Mumbai. It connects to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway on the eastern side and to the Coastal Road on the western side. The MTHL features interchanges at Sewri, Shivajinagar in Ulwe, and Chirle, enhancing real estate prospects in Third Mumbai.
Sewri Interchange:
The MMRDA has built a 1.5 km cloverleaf interchange on a 27-acre site leased from the Mumbai Port Trust, situated east of Sewri railway station. This interchange features two lanes branching from the MTHL, connecting seamlessly with the Eastern Freeway, Messant Road at grade, and the planned Sewri–Worli elevated road. The Sewri–Worli elevated road will extend connectivity to the Coastal Road (at Worli Seaface), Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, and Acharya Donde Marg.
Shivajinagar Interchange:
The Shivajinagar interchange links the MTHL with the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, and local roads. It facilitates direct connectivity from Ulwe to the MTHL via the planned Ulwe Coastal Road, which will intersect at this interchange once completed.
Chirle Interchange:
The Chirle interchange also known as Chirle Junction connects the MTHL with the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and provides access to JNPT and Panvel. It integrates with NH-348, enhancing connectivity between the MTHL and the expressway.
Future plans include extending the MTHL from this interchange to intersect with the expressway near the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport, which will also be linked via an airport connector road.
All vehicles are permitted to traverse the bridge, excluding two-wheelers, tractors, and small to light commercial vehicles, as well as auto-rickshaws. Toll rates will progressively decrease as the MTHL accommodates a higher volume of vehicles. Toll collection on the Navi Mumbai side of the bridge utilizes an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system, eliminating the need for vehicles to stop at toll booths for manual collection. Specialized cameras housed under a shelter scan passing vehicles automatically, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow. This system not only enhances commuter convenience by reducing congestion and queues but also minimizes accident risks, pollution, and inconsistencies in toll collection. It promotes smooth traffic flow, fuel efficiency, and a reduced carbon footprint, among other benefits. The MMRDA has indicated that toll collection will continue until 2045
The total cost of the MTHL was estimated as ₹17,843 crore (US$2.1 billion)
There are only two routes to reach mainland Mumbai from Navi Mumbai. One route is via the Airoli bridge, used by commuters from upper nodes such as Airoli, Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane, etc., traveling towards the central line. The other route is the Old Vashi Bridge, linking Vashi to Mankhurd and continuing all the way to CST via the eastern freeway. With property prices rising in mainland Mumbai and upcoming opportunities in Navi Mumbai, many people are migrating to this part of the city, resulting in increased commuting. This has caused traffic congestion on the roads. The need for a third bridge connecting Mumbai to its satellite city has become urgent.
