The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, officially known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Trans Harbour Link (Atal Sethu), is set to be inaugurated today, January 12, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This ambitious project is a 21.8 km elevated road bridge, boasting six lanes and advanced Japanese technology. It serves as a vital connection between Sewri in Mumbai and Chirle near Navi Mumbai.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is its ability to drastically reduce travel time. Previously, the journey between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai took a grueling two hours, but with this new bridge in place, commuters can expect a mere 20-minute ride. The project comes with an estimated cost of Rs 18,000.00 Crore.
To execute this monumental project, it was divided into four key packages:
- Package-1: Construction of a 10.380 km long bridge section, spanning from CH 0+000 to CH10+380, which crosses the Mumbai Bay and includes the Sewri Interchange.
- Package-2: Construction of a 7.807 km long bridge section from CH 10+380 to CH 18+187, also crossing the Mumbai Bay and incorporating the Shivaji Nagar Interchange.
- Package-3: Development of a 3.613 km long viaduct section, from CH 18+187 to CH 21+800, with interchanges at State Highway-54 and National Highway-4B near Chirle in Navi Mumbai.
- Package-4: Implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), encompassing Toll and Transport Management Systems, along with equipment installation for the entire project.
MMRDA officials have stated that the bridge is designed to accommodate a daily capacity of 70,000 vehicles, allowing them to travel at an average speed of 100 km per hour. Importantly, during the construction process, special attention was given to preserving the local environment. Mangroves and the natural habitat of migratory birds were safeguarded, and visual barriers were employed to protect sensitive areas, including the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the oil terminals belonging to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
