Asia Press Agency

Tag: Atal Setu

  • MTHL Temporarily Closed for L&T Sea Bridge Marathon 2024

    MTHL Temporarily Closed for L&T Sea Bridge Marathon 2024

    On February 17th, Mumbai authorities announced the temporary closure of the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), commonly referred to as Atal Setu, due to the L&T Sea Bridge Marathon 2024. This closure is part of the arrangements made to facilitate the marathon route, which will traverse the sea link. Commuters are advised that the trans-harbour link will be inaccessible from 11 pm on Saturday, February 17th, until 1 pm on Sunday, February 18th, as confirmed by the Mumbai Police.

     

    The Mumbai Traffic Police took to social media to inform the public about the closure, stating, “In view of the #AtalSetu (MTHL) route Marathon from Gadi Adda Mumbai to Chirle Navi Mumbai on Sunday 18th Feb, following arrangements will be in place from 11 pm on 17th Feb to 1 pm on 18th Feb. No vehicles will be allowed on #AtalSetu during this period.”

     

    During the marathon event, vehicular operations on the Atal Setu will be temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of participants and facilitate the smooth conduct of the race. To minimize potential traffic congestion and confusion among commuters, alternative routes have been designated by the Mumbai Police for their convenience.

     

    The closure of the MTHL for the marathon highlights the significance of large-scale events in urban planning and traffic management. Such events require meticulous coordination between event organizers, law enforcement agencies, and local authorities to ensure minimal disruption to daily life while accommodating the needs of participants and spectators.

     

    Meanwhile, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) sea bridge, which was inaugurated recently, has witnessed significant traffic since its opening. The 21.8 km-long bridge, connecting Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai to Sewri in Mumbai, has recorded traffic of over 8 lakh vehicles so far, according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

     

    Sanjay Mukherjee, the Commissioner of the MMRDA, provided insights into the traffic patterns on the bridge since its inauguration. He highlighted concerns regarding vehicles passing without paying toll fees, stating that nearly 4% of vehicles have gone without paying tolls since the bridge’s opening. Mukherjee emphasized the need to address this issue to ensure the sustainability of toll collection operations.

     

    Despite concerns about toll evasion, Mukherjee noted the positive impact of the MTHL on reducing travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The bridge has significantly shortened the commute, with the journey now taking just 20 minutes between the two destinations. This improvement in connectivity is expected to have long-term benefits for commuters and contribute to the economic development of the region.

     

    However, Mukherjee also addressed safety concerns associated with the MTHL, mentioning that four accidents occurred on the bridge within a month of its opening, resulting in injuries to five individuals. These incidents underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and ongoing monitoring to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of commuters.

     

    The temporary closure of the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link for the L&T Sea Bridge Marathon underscores the need for careful planning and coordination to manage large-scale events in urban areas. While such events contribute to the vibrancy of city life, they must be managed effectively to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and convenience of all stakeholders involved.

  • First Public Bus Service on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

    First Public Bus Service on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

    Mumbai is gearing up to introduce its inaugural public transport bus service on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), famously known as the Atal Setu, marking a significant milestone for the city’s transportation network. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has finalized a new bus route, S-145, in collaboration with the Chalo app, according to a report by Mid-day.com.

     

    The proposed route for the S-145 bus will span from Konkan Bhavan in Belapur to the World Trade Centre via the Atal Setu, facilitating connectivity between key locations. The bus is scheduled to traverse through Sai Sangam, Targhar, Ulwe node, Aai Tarumata, Kamdhenu Oaklands, MTHL, Eastern Freeway, CSMT, Churchgate station, and culminate at Cuffe Parade. This strategic route aims to serve commuters traveling between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai’s central business district efficiently.

     

    Initial operations of the S-145 bus service are anticipated to commence with two morning services from Belapur to the World Trade Centre and two evening services in the reverse direction. The decision to launch these services follows a trial conducted by BEST with input from bus enthusiasts and experts to gather feedback and refine operational strategies.

     

    In addition to defining the route, BEST is actively working on establishing the finer details of the service, including fare structures and operational protocols. The integration of the Chalo app, a popular transportation app, reflects the authorities’ commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the commuting experience and streamline public transport operations.

     

    The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, is a monumental infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Mumbai and its satellite city, Navi Mumbai. Spanning 21.8 kilometers, with a significant portion traversing the sea, the bridge, officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, represents a significant engineering feat. Constructed at a cost of ₹17,840 crore, the MTHL is poised to reduce travel time between the two cities from several hours to a mere 15-20 minutes, revolutionizing intercity commuting.

     

    The introduction of public bus services on the MTHL signifies a crucial step towards maximizing the utility of this infrastructure and improving accessibility for commuters. Shubham Padave, a prominent bus enthusiast and expert, expressed his appreciation for this initiative, commending the collaboration between the Chalo app and BEST in expanding public transport options across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). He emphasized the importance of introducing premium and ordinary bus routes on the MTHL and other upcoming projects to cater to diverse commuter needs effectively.

     

    In a related development, Milind Deora, a senior leader from the Shiv Sena, recently advocated for the implementation of a “bus priority lane” on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. This proactive approach towards prioritizing public transport solutions underscores the authorities’ commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient modes of transportation in Mumbai.

     

    Overall, the launch of the S-145 bus service on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link represents a significant stride towards enhancing urban mobility and fostering connectivity within the MMR. As Mumbai continues to evolve, investments in robust public transport infrastructure and innovative solutions are imperative to address the city’s growing transportation needs and improve the quality of life for its residents.

  • Mumbai Police Issues Warning as Selfie Enthusiasts Risk Safety

    Mumbai Police Issues Warning as Selfie Enthusiasts Risk Safety

    Since the inauguration of Atal Setu in Mumbai, an impressive 21.8 km long sea bridge, nearly 80,000 vehicles have utilized the link road. However, a concerning trend has emerged as the world-class infrastructure has become a hotspot for selfie enthusiasts, leading to safety hazards.

     

    Despite restrictions on stopping vehicles midway on the sea bridge, numerous motorists have been spotted not only parking their vehicles but also climbing railings to take selfies. The over-enthusiastic behavior has prompted the Mumbai Police to issue a warning on social media, threatening strict actions against those violating the rules.

     

    Late Monday evening, in a message on social media platform X, the Mumbai Police addressed the issue, stating, “We agree Atal Setu is definitely a watch, but it is also illegal to stop on it and click photos.” The police further warned motorists, saying, “You will face an FIR if you stop on MTHL.”

     

    Numerous viral photos and videos depict people stopping on the bridge to take selfies, disregarding the rules and regulations. Despite the minimum one-way toll on the sea bridge, which links Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Raigad, being ₹250, and the prohibition on stopping vehicles, social media is filled with content showing individuals risking safety for the sake of fun.

     

    Expressing concern over this careless behavior, social media users have criticized the motorists for risking their lives for the sake of selfies. Some users highlighted the need for education on road safety and etiquette, expressing disappointment in the lack of discipline and civic sense.

     

    While Mumbai Police has banned motorcycles, tractors, auto-rickshaws, mopeds, animal-pulled carts, and other slow-moving vehicles on the sea bridge, there have been reports and photographs circulating on social media suggesting violations of these restrictions. Some users sarcastically commented on the lack of adherence to road safety norms, sharing images of an auto-rickshaw and motorcycles on the bridge.

     

    Additionally, videos circulating on the internet have shown couples crossing the bridge ladder to reach a viewing platform, raising concerns about potential safety hazards and violations.

     

    The warning from Mumbai Police underscores the importance of adhering to traffic rules and safety guidelines on major infrastructure projects like Atal Setu. The authorities are keen on ensuring that the sea bridge serves its intended purpose of providing efficient transportation while minimizing risks associated with irresponsible behavior.

  • MTHL Speed Limit Rules Announced by Mumbai Police

    MTHL Speed Limit Rules Announced by Mumbai Police

    With the much-anticipated inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, approaching, the Mumbai Police has released rules regarding the speed limits for vehicles on the bridge. The infrastructure project, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, holds significant promise for improving connectivity in and around Mumbai.

     

    According to the guidelines issued by the Mumbai Police, the maximum speed limit for four-wheelers on the Atal Setu bridge is set at 100 kmph. However, speed restrictions of 40 kmph will be enforced on the ascent and descent of the bridge. Notably, two-wheelers and three-wheelers are prohibited from accessing the sea bridge.

     

    In a statement, the Mumbai Police stated, “There will be no entry for vehicles like motorcycles, mopeds, three-wheelers, autos, tractors, animal-drawn vehicles, and slow-moving vehicles.” Additionally, multi-axle heavy vehicles, trucks, and buses heading towards Mumbai are not permitted on the Eastern Freeway. These vehicles must use the Mumbai Port-Sewri Exit (Exit 1C) and take the MBPT Road near ‘Gadi Adda’ for further movement.

     

    The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is set to be the longest sea bridge in the country. The 6-lane sea link spans 16.50 kilometers over the sea, with an additional 5.5 kilometers on land. The project, constructed at a cost of ₹18,000 crore, has been in progress since 2018 and faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

     

    The bridge, originating from Sewri in Mumbai and terminating at Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka in Raigad district, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The Maharashtra government anticipates that the MTHL or Atal Setu could cover the distance between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai in just 20 minutes, compared to the current 2-hour journey. Furthermore, the bridge will enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Pune Expressway, Goa Highway, Vasai, Virar, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad districts.

     

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link on January 12, the city awaits the positive impact of this infrastructure marvel on its transportation landscape.