Atal Setu Misses Projections! India’S Longest Sea Bridge Sees Lower Traffic Than Expected In First Year Of Operation

Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge, inaugurated a year ago, has recorded an average daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles, falling short of initial projections that expected more than 56,000 vehicles daily. The bridge, which spans nearly 22 kilometers and connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024, marking the completion of a significant infrastructure project in Maharashtra.

Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 17,840 crore, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu is not only the longest bridge in India but also the longest sea bridge in the country.

In a release on Monday, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) described Atal Setu (formerly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link or MTHL) as “emerging as a symbol of modern infrastructure, safety, and efficiency.” The bridge, which crosses over the Thane creek, has facilitated the movement of 83,06,009 vehicles in the past year, significantly improving the transit between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, according to the state-run agency.

According to an MMRDA report, the bridge was initially projected to handle an average of 57,525 vehicles daily by 2021, with the estimate rising to 88,550 by 2031. However, since its inauguration, the bridge has averaged 22,689 vehicles daily. Its highest single-day traffic count reached 61,807 on January 14, 2024, shortly after its opening.

Over the past year, the Atal Setu has seen a variety of vehicles using the bridge, including 77,28,149 cars, 99,660 mini buses and LCVs, 1,17,604 buses, 1,99,636 three-axle vehicles, 1,60,061 four to six-axle vehicles, and 899 over-dimensional vehicles, the MMRDA reported.

“In just one year, it has transformed the commuting experience for over eight million vehicles, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the region,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the release.

The bridge’s traffic management and emergency response systems, including the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), Fire-Rescue Vehicles (FRVs), maintenance teams, and patrolling units, have ensured smooth operations and quick incident handling, the release added. “Three specialised teams work 24/7 to monitor traffic, provide medical aid (in case of injuries), and clear disruptions, minimising hazards and maintaining high safety standards,” it noted.

This six-lane bridge, with about 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land, is also designed to provide faster connectivity between the Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is expected to be operational later this year. It has significantly reduced travel time to destinations like Pune, Goa, and South India, while also improving connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.