Atal Setu or the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is the longest sea bridge in India and an engineering marvel. The bridge stretches 21.8 km from Sewri in South Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, making cross-city travel between these two locations significantly less time-consuming. In honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the bridge is expected to relieve congestion, increase economic activity, and improve connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour link - Lenght & Toll
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, or MTHL, is a 6-lane, access-controlled sea bridge, built to improve the overall traffic flow between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It is the 12th longest sea bridge in the world and the longest sea bridge in India.​
Key facts and specification
- The MTHL spans a total of 21.8 km, consisting of 16.5 km of waterway and 5.5 km of land viaduct. It has a deck width of 27 meters and a main span of 180 meters, with the capacity to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 6.5.
- The MTHL is a concrete-steel pre-cast segmental viaduct, featuring 70 orthotropic steel deck spans for the first time in India. These segments allow for larger spans while eliminating the need for intermediate supports.
- The bridge includes 6 lanes (3 in each direction) and has seamless connectivity to main arterial roads such as the Eastern Freeway and the Coastal Road, allowing for access to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
What did Atal Setu develop in NMIA?
One of the most impactful roles of the Atal Setu (MTHL) goes beyond just reducing travel time it’s how it paves the way for the future of Navi Mumbai, especially with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Once NMIA is fully operational, thousands of travellers, business professionals, and logistics operators will need fast, direct access to the airport from Mumbai and other parts of the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region). That’s exactly where the Atal Setu steps in. It connects Sewri in South Mumbai directly to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, which is just a short drive from the NMIA site.
This means smoother, faster, and more efficient airport commutes without getting stuck in the usual traffic chaos of central Mumbai. What used to be a 2-hour journey will now take barely 30-40 minutes, saving time and reducing traffic stress on internal city roads.
Whether it’s for catching a flight or handling cargo, Atal Setu is set to become the go-to route, making NMIA truly accessible and functional for the entire region. In simple terms, this bridge isn’t just concrete and steel it’s the express gateway to Navi Mumbai’s global future.
Road and connectivity
- The bridge starts in Sewri in South Mumbai and ends in Chirle near Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka, Navi Mumbai.
- It connects the busy city of Mumbai with the northwards developing exurb of Navi Mumbai to improve mobility of people and goods.​
- The MTHL connects with the Eastern Freeway, Coastal Road and the proposed Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor to create an integrated transport network in the area.
Time line of construction
The project was conceptualized in the 1990s, with the foundation stone laid in December 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The construction began in ​April 2018, witnessing notable moments including the installation of the 180-meter-long steel span in November 2022. After facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bridge was completed in December 2023 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on January 12, 2024.
Engineering and design Marvel
- The MTHL has 70 orthotropic steel deck spans; the longest (180 meter) steel span in India was accomplished. The adoption of orthotropic decks allows for longer spans with no intermediary supports, thereby resulting in a reduced environmental footprint. ​
- Some challenges faced for this project include deep-water construction, severe weather and heat conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Creative techniques like reverse circulation drilling and silencers on construction equipment were innovative methods utilized to address these challenges. ​
- The bridge includes noise and vision barriers in consideration of migratory species such as flamingos, and utilizes green materials like stone mastic asphalt. Furthermore, features such as full surveillance, speed violation detection, and emergency calling boxes are part of the bridge to support commuter safety. ​
Economic and social impacts
- The MTHL is projected to cut down travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai from more than 90 minutes to around 30 minutes.
- The enhanced connectivity is expected to drive economic activity and real estate growth in Navi Mumbai, leading to investment and job growth.
- The bridge makes the movement of goods easier, improving the logistics and cargo delivery process to and from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
Cracks on Atal Setu Bridge: Should You Be Worried?
     Recently, reports have emerged about cracks on the surface of the Atal Setu Bridge, particularly near expansion joints and asphalt layers. These cracks have raised concerns among citizens. However, authorities including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have clarified that the cracks are superficial and non-structural.
What Experts Say
     According to experts, the cracks are likely due to temperature fluctuations, initial traffic load stress, and adjustments in expansion joints. The bridge structure itself remains strong and safe for use. Routine inspections and preventive maintenance are being carried out to address such surface issues promptly.
Atal Setu Bridge Length and Toll Charges
     The Atal Setu Bridge, also known as Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is India’s longest sea bridge, stretching approximately 21.8 kilometers. It connects Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai, reducing travel time from over an hour to just 20–25 minutes. The bridge has 6 lanes and plays a major role in easing traffic congestion while promoting seamless connectivity between Mumbai and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport area.
     As for toll charges, the current Atal Setu toll is around ₹250 for a one-way trip for cars. Return and multiple trip discounts are also available through FASTag. These tolls help maintain the bridge and support the infrastructure costs of this mega project.
Future development
     Plans are also being made to connect Atal Setu to other transport networks such as Coastal Road and the planned Sewri–Worli Elevated Corridor. These anticipated connections will further promote connectivity and increase the capacity of traffic to lead into and out of Mumbai.
Conclusion
Not merely a bridge, the Atal Setu is a daring multilevel vision of development, connectivity, and progress for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As the longest sea bridge in India, it recreates the contours of urban mobility whereby travel times will shrink, regional economies will bolster, and a major artery connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai is created.
It will support the Navi Mumbai International Airport and increase cargo transport to the JNPT. The Atal Setu is expected to become an essential link for commuters, businesses, and industries. With its nuanced engineering, environmental sensibility, and planning, Atal Setu is now an iconic feature of transportation infrastructure that is moving the nation forward.
As development and integration into the transportation network continue, Atal Setu will reinforce not simply connections and linkages between cities, but also connect opportunity.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions Â
What is the significance of Atal Setu?
Atal Setu is a simple infrastructure program that improves connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It is currently the longest sea bridge in India, and it dramatically reduces travel time while establishing economic development in the region.
How does Atal Setu benefit commuters and businesses?
The bridge reduces travel time from 90 minutes plus to 30 minutes, resulting in faster and more efficient mobility for daily commuters, cargo transporters, and travellers to the airport. The bridge will improve logistics and accessibility to JNPT and NMIA.
Why is the bridge named Atal Setu?
The bridge bears the name, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” after the former Prime Minister of India, unapologetically focusing on his vision and contribution to India’s infrastructure. The name represents unity and progress, which aptly illustrates the bridge’s current contribution in connecting two major urban cities.