In a landmark development, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu in honor of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12. However, the excitement surrounding the opening comes with specific regulations, including a maximum speed limit and restrictions on certain types of vehicles.
The Mumbai police have announced that four-wheelers on the MTHL will have a speed limit of 100 kmph, while motorcycles, autorickshaws, and tractors will not be permitted on the sea bridge. The speed limit is intended to enhance safety and minimize potential dangers and inconveniences to the public, particularly during the ascent and descent of the bridge, where the speed will be limited to 40 kmph.
The ₹18,000-crore MTHL spans from Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka in the Raigad district. This 6-lane sea link comprises 16.50 kilometers over the sea and an additional 5.5 kilometers on land. The significant infrastructural development aims to drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, enabling motorists to cover the distance in just 20 minutes, compared to the usual 2-hour commute.
To maintain order and safety on the bridge, the Mumbai police have outlined specific entry restrictions. Multi-axle heavy vehicles, trucks, and buses heading towards Mumbai will not be allowed entry on the Eastern Freeway. Instead, they are directed to use the Mumbai Port-Sewri Exit (Exit 1C) and take the MBPT Road near ‘Gadi Adda’ for further movement.
Moreover, certain vehicles, including motorcycles, mopeds, three-wheelers, autos, tractors, animal-drawn vehicles, and slow-moving vehicles, will not have entry privileges on the MTHL.
The implementation of these measures underscores the importance of ensuring a smooth and safe commuting experience for the public while maximizing the efficiency of this major infrastructural project. As India’s longest sea bridge, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is poised to become a critical transportation artery, connecting key regions and significantly improving the connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Sources By Agencies
