Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on January 12, 2024, marking a historic moment in India’s infrastructure landscape. The bridge, officially named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu,’ is not only the longest sea bridge in the country but also ranks 12th among the longest sea bridges globally. The inauguration ceremony is expected to take place at approximately 3:30 pm in Mumbai.
“I look forward to being among the people of Maharashtra tomorrow, 12th January, which is also the Jayanti of Jija Mata and Swami Vivekananda. In Nashik, I will pray at the Shree Kalaram Mandir and attend the National Youth Festival,” PM Modi shared in a post on social media.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, now officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, is a testament to India’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his anticipation for the inauguration, stating that the bridge would bring about economic growth in the areas it connects.
The MTHL is a remarkable engineering feat, boasting a total length of approximately 21.8 kilometers, with a six-lane configuration. Notably, around 16.5 kilometers of the bridge span over the sea, making it the longest sea bridge in India. An additional 5.5 kilometers of the bridge are constructed on the land, linking Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The Metropolitan Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Sanjay Mukherjee, highlighted the scale of materials used in constructing the bridge. The steel used for the MTHL is reportedly 17 times that of the Eiffel Tower, and the structural steel is four times that of the iconic Howrah Bridge. Moreover, the quantity of concrete utilized in the bridge’s construction is six times that of the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu has been built at a total cost exceeding ₹17,840 crore, as stated in an official release. The completion of this mega-infrastructure project is expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
In conjunction with the inauguration of the MTHL, the Maharashtra government has approved a proposal for toll collection on the bridge. According to the decision, a one-way toll of ₹250 for cars will be charged. The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, clarified that only half of the amount, in compliance with existing toll collection rules, will be levied.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is poised to become a crucial link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, addressing longstanding challenges related to congestion and connectivity. As one of the key infrastructure projects in the region, the MTHL is expected to facilitate smoother transportation and contribute to the economic development of the areas it serves.
The inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu by Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development but also underscores the government’s commitment to advancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. The bridge’s strategic importance in linking major urban centers reflects a forward-looking approach to infrastructure planning and development.
As the longest sea bridge in India, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link symbolizes progress and modernization, reflecting the nation’s aspirations for a well-connected and prosperous future. The successful completion of such mega-infrastructure projects contributes to India’s standing on the global stage and reinforces its capabilities in executing complex engineering endeavors.
The inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024, marks a momentous occasion in India’s infrastructure journey. The bridge’s significance in enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development is underscored by its status as the longest sea bridge in the country. As the nation looks forward to reaping the benefits of this mega-infrastructure project, the MTHL stands as a symbol of progress, resilience, and the nation’s commitment to building a robust and interconnected future.