Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). Also known as Atal Setu, the 21.8 km bridge connects Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Raigad district. The project, which is estimated to cost Rs 17,843 crore, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and boost connectivity between the two regions.
This trans harbour link stands as the longest sea bridge in India, and has been under construction since 2018. The route commences at Sewri in south Mumbai, traversing Thane Creek and concluding at Chirle in the distant outskirts of Navi Mumbai.
The MTHL boasts six lanes with 16.5 km of the bridge extending over the sea and 5.5 km on land. In addition, it anticipates to accommodate 70,000 vehicles daily, with a maximum speed limit of 100 kmph for four wheelers. It will have interchanges at Sewri in Mumbai and Shivaji Nagar, Jassi, and Chirle on NH-4B on the Navi Mumbai end.
Notably, the link incorporates artificial-intelligence-based cameras designed to alert the control room in the event of vehicle breakdowns to minimise congestion. The MTHL seeks to revolutionise travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, reducing the commute time from two hours to just 20 minutes. Further, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has floated a tender for project management consultant (PMC) to manage operations and maintenance of MTHL.
