Atal Setu

Experience India’s Engineering Marvel – Drive on the Atal Bridge Connecting Mumbai with Mainland

Atal Setu…

India recently celebrated the inauguration of a sea bridge that links Mumbai with Navi Mumbai allowing commuters to travel between the two cities in 20 minutes! This remarkable engineering feat is a game changer, for transportation. Will greatly enhance connectivity and economic development in the area.

An Overview of the Bridge

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) also referred to as the Mumbai Sewri Nhava Sheva Trans Harbour Link or Atal Bridge is a 22-kilometer six-lane highway bridge spanning over the Arabian Sea. It begins at Sewri in Mumbai. It extends to Chirle in Navi Mumbai. Though initially envisioned in the 1970s this project faced delays over time. However after anticipation it was finally. Officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2022.

Atal setu

Key Features of the Bridge

  • Length: 21.8 kilometers
  • Lanes: 6 (with potential for expansion up to 8)
  • clearance: Around 18 meters
  • Cost: An estimated ₹17,843 crores

This extraordinary extra-dosed cable bridge significantly shortens the distance between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, reducing it from over 100 kilometers by road to approximately 21.8 kilometers. As a result, travel time has been drastically reduced from, around two hours to 20 30 minutes!

The bridge has been built using modern construction techniques and materials. It utilizes state-of-the-art technologies like crash barriers, speed detection cameras, unauthorized pedestrian detection and more.

Significance of the Bridge

The Atal Setu bridge is a boon for Mumbai and its satellite cities as it significantly cuts down travel time between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Here are some of the major benefits of this bridge:

Atal setu

Faster Connectivity

Earlier, to travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, one had to take a circuitous route passing through Thane, Panvel and then on to Navi Mumbai. This route used to take anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours in peak traffic conditions. The new bridge provides a direct connectivity, reducing this travel time to just 20-30 minutes!

Alternate Route

The Atal Setu provides an alternate route apart from the congested Sion-Panvel highway and the Airoli bridge. It helps distribute traffic more efficiently across various arteries connecting Mumbai with the mainland.

Economic Boost

The bridge will give a major boost to economy and infrastructure development of Navi Mumbai area. Many new residential and commercial projects are upcoming around the bridge landing points in Navi Mumbai. Property rates have already seen an upward trend.

Tourism Potential

The scenic views of the sea, Mumbai skyline and surrounding hills make the Atal Setu bridge itself a tourist attraction. The connectivity will also improve tourism potential of locations like Elephanta caves.

Driving Experience on the Bridge

I recently had the opportunity to be among the first civilians to drive on the newly opened Atal Setu bridge. Here is a description of the experience:

Atal setu

Toll Plazas

There are total 8 toll collection booths, with 4 on each end. The toll fee is collected digitally through FASTag sensors mounted on poles above each lane. The fee gets deducted automatically without the need to stop the vehicle. A very convenient system.

Smooth Road Surface

The bridge and approach roads have a very smooth road surface without any bumps or undulations. The asphalt layer appears neatly finished. The bridge is designed keeping high speed vehicles in mind.

Scenic Views

Driving across the 9 km stretch, one gets fabulous views all around. The sea is visible on both sides. Smaller ships and fishing boats can be seen sailing below. The Mumbai skyline and its tall buildings are visible in a distance.

Sign Boards

Route direction signs are visible throughout the bridge length, including remaining distances to various destinations like Pune, Goa, JNPT port etc. Speed limits and lane driving disciplines are clearly marked.

Emergency Parking Areas

There are designated emergency parking areas at intervals of around 1 km in case vehicles need to stop due to any emergency. These areas have CCTV coverage for monitoring.

Lighting

The entire bridge has continuous street lighting on both sides. The lighting fixtures are designed to focus light only on the road without spilling over the sea. This prevents any disturbance to the marine ecosystem.

Future Expansion Plans

The inaugurated Atal Setu bridge and approach road is only part of the bigger Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link project. Following expansions are planned over the next 5 years:

Atal setu

Extension to Sewri

The current bridge starts from Chirle village near Nhava Sheva port and ends near Bamandongri village in Uran. It will be extended further starting from Sewri in South Mumbai and passing over ELEPHANT island to join the existing bridge.

Expressway Connectivity

The bridge approach road on Navi Mumbai side will be expanded to connect directly to the upcoming Mumbai-Pune expressway. This will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune to under 1 hour.

Coastal Road Connectivity

On the Mumbai end, the bridge will be linked to the under construction Coastal Road network. This will help provide an alternate ring road around South Mumbai.

Benefits to Locals and Mumbaikars

The Atal Setu bridge brings many benefits for both the locals as well as all Mumbai residents. Here are some of the major benefits:

Atal setu

Employment Opportunities

The bridge construction itself generated employment for thousands of skilled and unskilled workers. Going forward, better connectivity will lead to more job creation in Navi Mumbai.

Rise of Navi Mumbai

Areas around the bridge landing point in Navi Mumbai will see accelerated infrastructure development. Many new residential complexes are upcoming in Kharghar, Ulwe and Kamothe areas which will benefit from the connectivity.

Faster Commute for Office Goers

Thousands of people travel daily between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for work. The new bridge cuts their commute time by half, giving a much desired relief.

Weekend Getaway Options

The bridge provides quick access to tourist destinations like Pune, Goa, Murud Janjira which can now be covered over a weekend from Mumbai.

Decongestion of Existing Routes

By distributing traffic more evenly, the bridge helps decongest existing routes like Sion Panvel Highway, Airoli Bridge and routes passing through Thane.

Concerns Related to the Bridge

While the Atal Setu bridge provides faster connectivity, there are some concerns related to it as listed below:

Atal setu

Toll Charges

The toll charges for one-way crossing seem to be on the higher side, especially for frequent commuters. There are concerns that the toll fee may be hiked in future.

Safety and Security

Being an open sea bridge with no exits in the 9 km stretch, the authorities need to pay attention to safety and security. Monitoring for crash barriers damage, CCTV coverage, patrolling vehicles is essential.

Impact on Marine Life

The bridge construction would have impacted the marine biodiversity and ecology in the Thane creek area. Its long term impacts need to be evaluated.

Road and Bridge Maintenance

Since the bridge is the only direct connectivity, maintenance work needs to be done with minimum disruption to traffic. Building alternate routes and rail connectivity should be prioritized.

Littering on Bridge

Many drivers were seen throwing trash on the bridge and in the sea below. Strict monitoring and penalties need to be levied on such acts to prevent pollution of the ecosystem.

Key Takeaways from the Drive

My drive across the iconic Atal Setu bridge was an amazing experience. Here are some of my key takeaways:

  • The bridge indeed provides a very convenient and faster connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It saves up to 1 hour of commute time compared to earlier routes.
  • The bridge design and construction appears to be of very high quality and safety standards. The road surface, lighting, barricading are state-of-the-art.
  • Driving across the 9 km stretch over sea is in itself a thrilling experience, more so because the bridge is just open to public now.
  • The scenic views of the sea and Mumbai skyline provide a spectacular sight not seen before from a road.
  • When the expansions to Sewri and expressway connectivity are completed in next few years, the bridge will greatly benefit lakhs of daily commuters and spur economic growth.

Conclusion

The recently opened Atal Setu bridge is an engineering marvel that fulfills a long pending need of Mumbai and its adjoining regions. While its connectivity and economic benefits are plenty, care will need to be taken for upkeep and ensuring minimum ecological impact. I hope through my first hand account in this article, you enjoyed a virtual tour of this modern infrastructural wonder of India!

FAQs about atal setu

How long is the Atal setu?

The MTHL or Atal Setu is 22 .8 km long, with a 16.5 km length over the sea. It is India’s longest sea bridge.

What is the toll for cars on atal setu?

The one-side toll for cars on the Atal setu is Rs. 125. For a return trip, cars have to pay around Rs. 250 as toll charges.

How many lanes does the Atal setu have?

The Atal Setu has 6 lanes currently, which can be expanded to 8 lanes if needed in the future.

How much travel time does the sea link save between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai?

The Atal Setu saves around 1.5 hours of travel time between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The journey takes 20-30 minutes via the sea link.

When did the Atal setu open for public use?

The Atal Setu opened on 15th January, 2024 after the inauguration by PM Modi. It is now fully operational for the public.

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