Atal Setu: India’s longest sea bridge is set to be inaugurated

Source: The post is based on the article “Mumbai Trans Harbour Link inauguration today: How the country’s longest sea bridge will cut travel time” published in “The Indian Express” on 11th January 2024.

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link or Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. 

What is Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)?

1) It is the country’s longest bridge over the sea. It is a 22-km-long twin-carriageway six-lane bridge over the Thane Creek in the Arabian Sea.

2) It is officially named as the Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link.

3) The MTHL includes a 16.5 km sea link and viaducts on land at either end with a cumulative length of 5.5 km.

4) The objective of the project is to improve connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region which comprises the districts of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, and promote the region’s economic development.

How MTHL will help?

1) It will connect Sewri in the island city of Mumbai to Chirle in Raigad district on the mainland.

2) It will dramatically cut travel time, and will decongest the existing route over the Vashi bridge.

3) It will significantly improve connectivity between South Mumbai and the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai Pune Expressway, the Mumbai-Goa Highway, and the main hinterland in general.

4) It will also provide improved access to Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

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