PM Modi Inaugurates India's Longest Sea Bridge Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) today at 3:30 pm, marking a significant achievement in India's infrastructure development. The bridge, officially named "Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu," and shortened to "Atal Setu," stands as the longest sea bridge in India and the 12th longest globally.

PM Modi expressed his anticipation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "I look forward to being among the people of Maharashtra tomorrow, January 12, 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."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the bridge's significance, noting, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate MTHL on January 12 (Friday). This bridge will bring economic development and growth in areas connected to it," during an interview with ANI on December 31.

Initially scheduled for inauguration on December 25, 2023, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is a 21.8 km road bridge project connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, with an estimated cost of Rs 17,843 crore.

Atal Setu is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on existing entry points to Mumbai, improving overall connectivity. It will also facilitate seamless travel from the mainland to the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport in Panvel. Daily commuters between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai can anticipate a reduction in travel time by 30-45 minutes during peak traffic hours.

Currently, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai have only two road connectivity options, and the MTHL is poised to enhance connectivity between Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), playing a crucial role in stimulating urban and industrial development. The inauguration of this sea bridge underscores India's growing prowess in infrastructure development.

BS