Mumbai: In a historic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Atal Setu, the country’s longest sea bridge, on Friday, January 12, 2024. The bridge, which is also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link (MTHL), will directly connect Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, reducing the travel time from two hours to 16 minutes. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the bridge in December 2016. The bridge is named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away in 2018.
The Features and Benefits of the Bridge
The Atal Setu is a marvel of engineering and design, spanning a total length of 21.8 kilometers, out of which 16.5 kilometers is over the sea and 5.5 kilometers is on land. The bridge has a capacity of 70 thousand vehicles per day, and it is estimated that about 50 thousand vehicles will use the bridge every day. The bridge will not only ease traffic congestion and improve the connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai but also save fuel and reduce pollution. According to the website of MTHL, the bridge will save one crore liters of fuel every year, which is equivalent to the fuel saved by one crore electric vehicles every day. The bridge will also reduce CO2 emissions by 25 thousand 680 metric tons per year.
The bridge is built with 1.78 lakh metric tons of steel and 5.04 lakh metric tons of cement, making it one of the most sturdy and durable structures in the country. The bridge is also equipped with 400 CCTV cameras for security and surveillance, sound barriers for noise reduction, and advanced lighting for aesthetic and ecological purposes. The bridge is designed to protect the birds and marine life in the vicinity of the bridge.
The Toll Rates and Revenue of the Bridge
The Atal Setu is a toll bridge, and the passengers will have to pay a fee to use the bridge. The toll rates are as follows:
- Single: Rs 250
- Return: Rs 375
- Daily Pass: Rs 625
- Monthly Pass: Rs 12,500
The Maharashtra government expects to earn Rs 1.75 crore per day from the toll collection, which will help in the maintenance and operation of the bridge. The toll rates are subject to revision every three years, based on inflation and other factors.
The Atal Setu is a landmark project that will boost the economic and social development of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, and also enhance the quality of life of the people. The bridge is a tribute to the vision and legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was a great leader and a poet. The bridge is also a testament to the commitment and dedication of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has initiated and completed several mega projects across the country. The bridge is a symbol of the progress and prosperity of India, and a source of pride and inspiration for the youth of the nation.
