PM Modi unveils Atal Setu, longest sea bridge - Who is allowed to use Mumbai Trans Harbour Link?

Who is allowed to use Atal Setu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment with the inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge, in Maharashtra. The event witnessed the presence of Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

#WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Maharashtra

Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in the country. It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai… pic.twitter.com/2GT2OUkVnC

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2024

Atal Setu: A Gateway to Progress and Connectivity

The Atal Setu, standing as the longest sea bridge in India, is set to transform Mumbai's connectivity. Stretching across 21.8 kilometres, this 6-lane marvel, with a sea stretch of 16.5 km and a land stretch of 5.5 km, becomes operational at a cost exceeding Rs 17,840 crore. Laid with the foundation stone by the Prime Minister in December 2016, it acts as a pivotal link between Mumbai International Airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai Port, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

A bridge of prosperity!

Experience the grandeur of the Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge, stretching across the sea to connect Mumbai and Navi Mumbai at night. This engineering marvel represents a monumental stride in infrastructure and connectivity.#AtalSetu pic.twitter.com/pvbXsU8WkS

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) January 12, 2024

Navigating Atal Setu: What You Need to Know

For those planning to traverse this architectural marvel, understanding the regulations and nuances is essential.

Permissible Vehicles on MTHL

• Four-wheelers, encompassing cars, taxis, light motor vehicles, minibuses, and two-axle buses, are granted access to the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link (MTHL).
• However, certain vehicles face restrictions. Motorcycles, mopeds, three-wheeler tempos, auto-rickshaws, tractors, tractors with unloaded trolleys, animal-drawn vehicles, and slow-moving vehicles are prohibited. These vehicles must take the Mumbai Port-Sewri Exit (Exit 1C) and use the MBPT Road near ‘Gadi Adda’ for further movement.

Entry of the following vehicles: Motor Cycle, Moped, 3 Wheeler Tempo, Auto Rickshaw, Tractor, Tractor With unladen trolley, Animal Drawn Vehicles & Slow Moving Vehicle will not be allowed on MTHL.#MumbaiTransHarbourLink #MTHL #AtalSetu #MTPTrafficUpdates pic.twitter.com/GZ0YKU3o9e

— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) January 11, 2024

Bus Conundrum on Atal Setu

The inclusion of buses on the bridge remains undecided. Given its length, authorities are evaluating its suitability for bus passengers. The absence of bus stops on the bridge further adds to the uncertainty about potential bus services.

Navigating Speed Limits on MTHL

Speed limits have been instituted for vehicles on the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link. Four-wheelers face a maximum speed limit of 100 kmph, with a reduction to 40 kmph during the ascent and descent of the bridge, prioritising safety and disruption prevention.

The maximum speed limit for vehicles to drive on the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (MTHL) Flyover Bridge will be 100 KMPH.

While during the ascend and descend of the flyover bridge, the speed limit will be 40 KMPH.#MumbaiTransHarbourLink #MTHL #AtalSetu pic.twitter.com/XrScPTs4rs

— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) January 11, 2024

The Toll Tale: Calculating the Cost of Connectivity

The toll for the Sewri-Shivaji Nagar (Ulwe) stretch stands at Rs 200, and Rs 50 for the 2.5 km Shivaji Nagar-Gavhan stretch. A return trip incurs a toll of Rs 300. While celebrated for enhancing connectivity, questions arise about the toll cost. At Rs 250 for a one-way crossing, some consider it high compared to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link's toll of Rs 85 for a one-way trip and Rs 127 for a return journey.

As Atal Setu opens its lanes to the public, it heralds a new era of connectivity, offering a blend of architectural brilliance and seamless travel for Mumbai's residents.