July 25, 2025: The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, formerly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), has emerged as a monumental achievement in India’s infrastructure landscape. Spanning 21.8 km — including 16.5 km over the sea — it is the longest sea bridge in India and the 12th longest globally. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this engineering marvel promises to transform travel and development across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Atal Setu, constructed at a cost exceeding ₹17,840 crore, is equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems, cutting-edge road technology, and noise barriers to safeguard sensitive areas. Its strategic significance lies in drastically reducing the commute time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Travel that once took nearly two hours can now be completed in just 15–20 minutes. Additionally, it eases access to Pune, Goa, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Global infrastructure leaders carried out construction: L&T and Japan’s IHI Infrastructure Systems led the Mumbai-end development, while Daewoo Engineering and Tata Projects handled the Navi Mumbai section.
The bridge begins at Sewri in Mumbai and terminates at Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai, with seamless integration to major highways like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa Highway. Interchanges at Shivaji Nagar and Chirle help maintain smooth traffic movement.
Despite a toll of Rs 250 (one-way) — the highest for Mumbai’s toll roads — Atal Setu is expected to yield environmental and economic benefits. According to a MoneyControl report, “Travellers will save an estimated one crore litres of fuel annually, and over 25,000 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions will be reduced.”
Equipped with Open Road Tolling (ORT) technology, vehicles can maintain speeds of up to 100 kmph without halting, ensuring efficient movement. Real estate markets in Ulwe, Panvel, and Dronagiri are already witnessing positive shifts, driven by improved connectivity.
Source: News18
