Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), officially dubbed as Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link. Extending a whopping 22 kilometers, this sea bridge is an ambitious mega-infrastructure project that aims to revamp the commute between Sewri and Chirle. The inauguration promises a noteworthy reduction in travel time, thereby facilitating smoother traffic movement.
Introducing Atal Setu: An Engineering Marvel
Atal Setu holds the prestigious title of being not only the longest bridge in India but also the nation’s longest sea bridge. With a total length of 21.8 kilometers, this six-lane bridge stretches over sea for about 16.5 kilometers and spans 5.5 kilometers on land. The bridge proudly bears the name of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Starting from Sewri in Mumbai, the bridge concludes at Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka in Raigad district.
The financial underpinnings of this mammoth project are supported by the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) which covers a major chunk (80%) of the total project cost. The remaining amount is proportionately divided between the state and central governments. Trivial as it may seem, Atal Setu surpasses the length of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Bridge, the previous record-holder for the longest bridge in India, situated over the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
Innovative Technologies: A Heartbeat of MTHL
MTHL is a repository of various cutting-edge technologies, marking significant breakthroughs in infrastructural technology application. Among its salient features are Reverse Circulation Drilling (RCD) piling, Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) bridge girders, and an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system.
RCD, employed for the first time in India, is an innovative approach for pile foundation laying that curbs noise disturbances compared to traditional vertical drilling methods. Meanwhile, OSD is a robust construction technique that optimizes strength and flexibility. Essentially, this technology enables the bridge’s steel deck to endure heavy loads, such as vehicles, while preserving a lightweight structure. MTHL is also the pioneer project in India to implement the ORT method of toll collection, which does not necessitate vehicles to halt or delay.
Promising Benefits: A Prosperous Forecast
As per a study conducted jointly by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and JICA, MTHL is forecasted to drastically reduce the average travel time between Sewri and Chirle from the current 61 minutes to less than 16 minutes. The initial year of operation (2024) is expected to witness around 40,000 vehicles using the link daily.
This is a promising sign towards encouraging greater economic integration of Navi Mumbai with Mumbai. Moreover, the ripple effects of these benefits are expected to reach far and wide, extending to Panvel, Alibaug, Pune, and even Goa. The bridge also offers an easy route, by significantly shortening the distance between Mumbai and the Pune Expressway.
