A year since its inauguration, Atal Setu or Mumbai Trans Harbour Sealink (MTHL) has recorded an average daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles, falling short of initial expectations.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13, 2024, the 22-km Atal Setu was expected to record 40,000 daily users in its opening year, according to a study conducted by the MMRDA and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
According to MMRDA officials, in its first year, the MTHL, India’s longest sea bridge connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, saw 83 lakh vehicles plying on it.
The highest single-day traffic recorded was 61,807 vehicles on January 14, 2024, shortly after its inauguration.
Experts attribute the low traffic to the high toll fees , which range from Rs 200 to Rs 250 for a one-way trip depending on the route. A round-trip for passenger cars costs Rs 300, with daily passes priced at Rs 500 and monthly passes at Rs 10,000.
In comparison, the alternate road via the Vashi Toll Naka offers similar travel times between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai but without the added toll costs.
The state government’s recent decision to exempt smaller vehicles from Mumbai from all five entry points including Vashi Toll Naka fees has further influenced traffic patterns, contributing to the low uptake of the MTHL.
The MTHL, designed to integrate Mumbai and Navi Mumbai economically, and improve connectivity to areas like Panvel, Alibaug, Pune, and Goa, is still in its early days.
The bridge features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), Fire-Rescue Vehicles (FRVs), and 24*7 maintenance and patrolling teams that ensure smooth operations and quick incident resolution.
MMRDA officials remain hopeful that traffic will increase once ongoing infrastructure projects are completed. The Worli-Sewri elevated road, set to connect Worli Sea Face to the Atal Setu, is nearing completion and will provide a faster 5-10 minute route to the bridge.
Additionally, the extension of the road between the Chirle Interchange and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will likely enhance connectivity, making the MTHL a crucial link for travelers to South Mumbai, the western suburbs, and beyond.
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