In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge, today. The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, also known as Atal Setu, has been constructed at a cost of ₹17,840 crore and aims to revolutionize connectivity in Mumbai, boosting economic growth and development in the region.

Linking Sewri in Mumbai to the Nhava Sheva area in the Raigad district, the Atal Setu spans an impressive 21.8 kilometers. This ambitious infrastructure project's foundation stone was laid by PM Modi himself in December 2016, honoring the visionary leadership of the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Shortened Travel Time: How Atal Setu Transforms the Commute Between Sewri and Nhava Sheva

The completion of Atal Setu brings numerous benefits to commuters and traders. The bridge significantly reduces travel time between Sewri and Nhava Sheva, transforming a journey that previously took around two hours into a mere 15-20 minutes. This drastic reduction in travel time is set to have a profound impact on the way people commute and facilitate smoother transportation of goods, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Allowed Vehicles: Speed Limits and Permitted Categories

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link imposes regulations on vehicles using the bridge. Four-wheelers, including cars, taxis, light motor vehicles, minibuses, and two-axle buses, are permitted and can travel at a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour. However, while ascending and descending the bridge, the speed limit is restricted to 40 kilometers per hour, ensuring safety for all users.

Prohibited Vehicles: Ensuring Safety and Smooth Traffic Flow

To maintain safety and ensure smooth traffic flow, certain vehicles are prohibited from using the sea bridge. Motorbikes, auto rickshaws, tractors, motorcycles, mopeds, three-wheelers, animal-drawn vehicles, and slow-moving vehicles are not allowed on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. Additionally, multi-axle heavy vehicles, trucks, and buses heading towards Mumbai are restricted from entering the

Eastern Freeway.

Vehicles falling under the prohibited categories are directed to take the Mumbai Port-Sewri Exit (Exit 1C) and use the MBPT Road near 'Gadi Adda' for further movement. These measures have been put in place by the Mumbai police to ensure the safety of the public and prevent potential dangers or inconveniences.

PM Modi's Visit: Unveiling Projects and Initiatives in Maharashtra

During his visit to Maharashtra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not only inaugurate Atal Setu but also unveil projects worth over ₹30,500 crore in the state. Furthermore, he will lay the foundation stone for an underground road tunnel connecting Eastern Freeway's Orange Gate and launch the Namo Mahila Shashaktikaran Abhiyaan, emphasizing the government's commitment to development and women's empowerment.

The inauguration of Atal Setu marks a significant achievement in India's infrastructure landscape, revolutionizing Mumbai's connectivity and fostering economic growth. With enhanced accessibility and reduced travel time, the bridge holds immense potential to benefit commuters, boost trade, and propel the city's overall development. The restrictions on vehicles ensure safety and smooth traffic flow, further enhancing the bridge's effectiveness. PM Modi's visit and unveiling of projects in Maharashtra demonstrate the government's dedication to infrastructure development and empowering its citizens.