The Trans Harbour Sea Link (also known as the Atal Sethu) presented to the country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai is the longest sea bridge in the country. Spanning a length of 22 kilometers, it includes a fully submerged portion of 16.5 kilometers, making it one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Mumbai. This bridge connects Sewri in Mumbai and Nhava Sheva area in Raigad district enhancing the connectivity between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai.
The construction of this high-speed corridor plays a crucial role in the development of Navi Mumbai, providing a vital link between Nhava Sheva and Mumbai. With the opening of the bridge, the travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai is expected to reduce to 15-20 minutes.
The Trans Harbour Sea Link boasts several key features that underline its significance in the realm of infrastructure development. Covering a total length of 22 kilometers, a substantial portion of 16.5 kilometers is submerged beneath the sea, marking it as a remarkable engineering feat. Constructed at an estimated cost of 18,000 crores, this sea link is designed to handle substantial traffic, with an anticipated capacity of accommodating 70,000 vehicles on a daily basis. Notably, the sea link enables vehicles to travel at impressive speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, ensuring swift and efficient transportation. The bridge is inclusive in its accessibility, welcoming various vehicle types, such as cars, bikes, autorickshaws, and tractors, thereby facilitating seamless connectivity and enhancing the overall transportation experience across the sea link.
This ambitious project not only serves as a symbol of modern infrastructure but also addresses the increasing traffic congestion in Mumbai, providing a faster and more efficient transportation route between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai.
The construction of this facility is aimed at resisting the intense rainfall and winds during the monsoon season. Covering a radius of 8.5 kilometers from the secure center of the Flamingo Sanctuary, soundproofing measures will be implemented. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre also operates within this region. As a result, the distance to places such as Pune and Goa will be reduced.
The proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport and the JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) harbor will be in close proximity. This road will contribute to the development of the Thane-Mumbai suburban region. The construction of the bridge has been completed within six years, significantly aiding the growth of Mumbai’s suburban areas. Despite the initiation of the bridge construction in 2018, discussions and debates regarding the sea link for transportation began as early as 1962.
The toll for cars has been fixed at 250 rupees.
The toll for cars through the sea link has been set at 250 rupees, and there is a provision for toll revision every 30 years. This toll rate is one of the highest among toll charges, and initially, there was a suggestion for it to be 500 rupees. Subsequent criticisms and debates led to a partial reduction. The toll rate will undergo a 6% increase annually.
