With the much-anticipated inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, approaching, the Mumbai Police has released rules regarding the speed limits for vehicles on the bridge. The infrastructure project, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, holds significant promise for improving connectivity in and around Mumbai.
According to the guidelines issued by the Mumbai Police, the maximum speed limit for four-wheelers on the Atal Setu bridge is set at 100 kmph. However, speed restrictions of 40 kmph will be enforced on the ascent and descent of the bridge. Notably, two-wheelers and three-wheelers are prohibited from accessing the sea bridge.
In a statement, the Mumbai Police stated, “There will be no entry for vehicles like motorcycles, mopeds, three-wheelers, autos, tractors, animal-drawn vehicles, and slow-moving vehicles.” Additionally, multi-axle heavy vehicles, trucks, and buses heading towards Mumbai are not permitted on the Eastern Freeway. These vehicles must use the Mumbai Port-Sewri Exit (Exit 1C) and take the MBPT Road near ‘Gadi Adda’ for further movement.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is set to be the longest sea bridge in the country. The 6-lane sea link spans 16.50 kilometers over the sea, with an additional 5.5 kilometers on land. The project, constructed at a cost of ₹18,000 crore, has been in progress since 2018 and faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bridge, originating from Sewri in Mumbai and terminating at Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka in Raigad district, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The Maharashtra government anticipates that the MTHL or Atal Setu could cover the distance between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai in just 20 minutes, compared to the current 2-hour journey. Furthermore, the bridge will enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Pune Expressway, Goa Highway, Vasai, Virar, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad districts.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link on January 12, the city awaits the positive impact of this infrastructure marvel on its transportation landscape.