Mumbai: The much-awaited engineering marvel - the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link - the longest sea bridge in India, was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
The MTHL or Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu - which goes over the Arabian Sea - is one of the most challenging infrastructure projects that the country has undertaken.
The two other similar bridges in the world are the Hangzhou Bay Bridge in China (36 kms) and the King Fahd Causeway in Saudi Arabia (26 kms).
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has executed the bridge project.
Modi was accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar - during the inauguration ceremony.
The engineering marvel, the Atal Setu, bridges Mumbai's island to the mainland, addressing land scarcity issues imposed by geographical constraints.
It not only provides quicker access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, JNPT Port, and expressways like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa Highway but also unlocks new opportunities for tourism, economic growth, and employment.
This engineering feat utilises advanced Japanese technology, spanning approximately 21.8 km with a 16.5 km marine section and a 5.5 km elevated road on land.
The project would also boost development in Navi Mumbai Airport Notified Influenced Area (NAINA), an ambitious project of the City and Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (CIDCO).
The project would be a boon for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
“Beyond simply reducing travel time, the bridge enhances our quality of life through the integration of modern and advanced technology.
Environmental sustainability, longevity, security, and progress are among the fundamental purposes of this engineering marvel,” the MMRDA said.
Published 12 January 2024, 10:39 IST