ACTION PUNJAB NEWS Desk: In a monumental development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge, today. Spanning 21.8 kilometers, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu comes to fruition at a cost exceeding Rs 17,840 crore.
Connecting South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, specifically between Sewri and Nhava Sheva, the bridge is anticipated to significantly reduce the current two-hour commute to a mere 15-20 minutes. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maharashtra today will be marked by the unveiling of projects valued at over Rs 30,500 crore in the state.
Emphasising the vision to enhance the “ease of mobility” for citizens through robust urban transport infrastructure, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link aligns with the Prime Minister’s commitment to connectivity. As part of the inauguration, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for an underground road tunnel linking Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate and launch the Namo Mahila Shashaktikaran Abhiyaan in the state.
According to an official release, “The Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than Rs 12,700 crore in the public program in Navi Mumbai.”
The foundation stone for this groundbreaking bridge was initially laid by PM Modi in December 2016, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development.
Also Read: Vande Bharat passengers reject ‘dirty’ food, seek catering staff intervention
Also Read: Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi, seeks classical language tag for Bengali
ALL ABOUT THE MUMBAI TRANS HARBOUR LINK
Cost and length:
The Atal Setu has been constructed at a total cost exceeding Rs 17,840 crore.
It spans approximately 21.8 km, featuring a six-lane bridge with around 16.5 km over the sea and about 5.5 km on land.
/ptc-news/media/media_files/5bH4Asa435Uos4aRTaSA.jpeg)
Connectivity enhancement:
The bridge aims to enhance connectivity to Mumbai International Airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport, reducing travel time to Pune, Goa, and South India.
It will also improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, according to official statements.
Speed limits:
Mumbai Police has set the maximum speed limit for four-wheelers on the MTHL at 100 kilometers per hour.
Motorbikes, autorickshaws, and tractors are not permitted on the sea bridge.
Cars, taxis, light motor vehicles, minibuses, and two-axle buses will have a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. However, the speed will be restricted to 40 kilometers per hour on the ascent and descent of the bridge.
Toll charges:
A passenger car will be charged Rs 250 as a one-way toll on the MTHL.
Charges for return journeys, as well as for daily and frequent travelers, will differ.
Also Read: US, UK launch retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed Houthis following Red Sea assaults
Also Read: Dense fog delays flights and trains, zero visibility in Delhi
(Inputs from agencies)
