Atal Setu: PM Modi to inaugurate India’s longest sea bridge today in Mumbai; find out more about this L&T marvel

In a significant milestone for Mumbai’s growth, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), officially named Atal Setu, is set to transform the connection between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Today marks the inauguration of Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge, as part of the substantial upgrade of Mumbai’s public infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, linking the financial hub of Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. This 21.8 km sea bridge not only claims the title of India’s longest but also ranks as the world’s 12th longest.

The six-lane link, with a 16.50-km stretch over the sea, is anticipated to significantly reduce travel time from Navi Mumbai to South Mumbai, improving overall commuting efficiency. This bridge is part of a broader initiative to enhance public infrastructure and alleviate the strain on Mumbai’s vital suburban rail system, which caters to over 75 lakh commuters daily. Alongside the trans-harbour link, the initial segment of the north-south coastal road from Worli to Marine Lines is set to become operational by the end of January.

History 

The need for improved connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai had been recognized as early as the 1990s by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Existing bridges across Thane Creek were deemed insufficient to handle the rising traffic and congestion, prompting the MMRDA to propose a comprehensive solution.

After multiple attempts and delays, the project gained momentum in 2012 when the Government of India approved it. The initial completion target of 2021 was pushed back due to setbacks, including an eight-month delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Atal Setu was completed in December 2023.

Planning Challenges and Shifting Models 

The planning phase faced challenges, with multiple attempts to execute the project, including unsuccessful ventures in the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The shift from PPP to the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model in 2013 marked a crucial turning point. The involvement of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided a financial boost, with JICA agreeing to loan 80% of the total project cost.

Construction Details 

The Atal Setu spans 21.8 km, comprising a 16.5 km sea bridge and 5.5 km of viaducts on land. Divided into three sections, the bridge required an extensive number of materials, including 1,65,000 tonnes of reinforcement steel, 96,250 tonnes of structural steel, and 830,000 cubic meters of concrete. Notably, the project features orthotropic decks, a first in India, allowing for longer spans without the need for additional support pillars. The construction process involved a combination of on-site work and prefabrication, with components manufactured in Japan, Myanmar, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Contractors and Costs

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) awarded contracts to various consortiums for different sections of the Atal Setu. Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and IHI Corporation secured the contract for the 10.38 km sea bridge section, Tata Projects Limited and Daewoo E&C for the 7.807 km section, and L&T for the 3.613 km viaduct section. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 17,843 crore (USD 2.2 billion).

About L&T: India’s biggest infrastructure developer 

Larsen & Toubro Ltdis a multinational conglomerate which is primarily engaged in providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) solutions in key sectors such as Infrastructure, Hydrocarbon, Power, Process Industries and Defence, Information Technology and Financial Services in domestic and international markets. L&T has delivered 143% over the period of 5 years, The company has a current orderbook of around Rs 67,750 crore (average) for Q3FY024.

Facts about Atal Setu 

• The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, known as Atal Setu, is been built using a lot of steel—17 times more than what was used for the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris.
• The bridge is quite advanced, with modern features like special steel decks for large spans and river circulation rings to reduce noise and vibrations, protecting marine life.
• The lights on the bridge are designed not to disturb the water environment.
• One big highlight is the focus on being environmentally friendly. The bridge has an advanced traffic management system that can detect things like fog, low visibility, and vehicles going too fast.
• To keep traffic flowing smoothly, there are speed limits, and certain vehicles like motorcycles, autorickshaws, and tractors aren’t allowed.

Impacts on Society:

The Atal Setu is poised to bring about significant positive changes in the social and economic fabric of the region. With travel times reduced to just 20 minutes between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the real estate market is expected to witness a surge in demand. Areas like Panvel and Ulwe are predicted to experience explosive growth, becoming sought-after locations for professionals seeking affordable luxury close to prime business hubs.

Realtors and industry experts foresee a transformation in Mumbai’s real estate landscape. Niranjan Hiranandani, CMD of Hiranandani Group, compares the impact of Atal Setu to what Noida and Gurugram did for Delhi, anticipating a 50-60% price hike in areas around the bridge. Anuj Puri, Chairman of Anarock Group, believes the momentum in real estate could extend to faraway places like Alibaug.

Other Infra projects

Mumbai is witnessing a surge in transformative infrastructure projects. The Rs 13,000-crore coastal road, set for completion by early February, promises a faster north-south route, featuring two carriageways with dedicated bus lanes and India’s first undersea tunnel. Other projects include the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (12.2 km), Borivali Thane Link Road (11.8 km twin tube tunnel), and the Virar Alibaug Multimodal Corridor (126 km expressway).

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (bullet train), a Rs 1.1 lakh crore venture supported by Japanese financing, is on track for a 2026 launch. The Navi Mumbai International Airport, scheduled for December 2024, aims to ease pressure on the existing Mumbai airport. Additionally, the city-wide metro rail network, with 14 lines covering 356.97 km, is set to be fully operational by October 2026, with the Aqua Line alone costing Rs 37,275 crore.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the unveiling of Atal Setu stands as a landmark moment in Mumbai’s journey towards comprehensive infrastructure development. As India’s longest sea bridge, it not only significantly reduces travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai but acts as a linchpin in a broader initiative to enhance public infrastructure. Coupled with the imminent completion of the north-south coastal road and the ongoing expansion of the city-wide metro rail network, including the Aqua Line, these transformative projects are poised to create a robust economic ecosystem.

The synergistic impact of Atal Setu, the metro, and the coastal road promises to usher in an era of heightened connectivity, efficiency, and economic growth, marking a paradigm shift in Mumbai’s urban landscape.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.