Atal Setu’s first anniversary shows daily vehicle count at 22,689, below initial traffic forecasts

Atal Setu's first anniversary shows daily vehicle count at 22,689, below initial traffic forecasts

Atal Setu's first anniversary shows daily vehicle count at 22,689, below initial traffic forecasts

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In the year since its inauguration, Atal Setu has become a vital part of the transportation network in Maharashtra, recording an average daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles. While this figure showcases the bridge’s significance, it also falls below initial estimates that anticipated higher usage.

India’s longest sea bridge, Atal Setu (previously known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link or MTHL), was inaugurated a year ago and has been averaging fewer than 23,000 vehicles daily, which is below the initial expectation of over 56,000 vehicles per day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the nearly 22-kilometer bridge, connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, on January 12, 2024, marking the completion of a significant infrastructure project in the state.

In a statement released on Monday, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) described Atal Setu as “becoming a symbol of modern infrastructure, safety, and efficiency.”

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The bridge, which spans the Thane creek, has facilitated the movement of 8,306,009 vehicles in the past year, greatly enhancing the flow and speed of transit between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, according to the state-run agency.

According to a report from the MMRDA, the bridge was expected to accommodate an average of 57,525 vehicles daily by 2021, although its inauguration faced several delays, with projections rising to 88,550 vehicles by 2031.

Since its opening, the bridge has averaged daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles, with its peak single-day traffic reaching 61,807 on January 14, 2024, shortly after it was opened for public use, as noted in the release.

In the past year, Atal Setu has seen a total of 7,728,149 cars, 99,660 mini buses and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), 117,604 buses, 199,636 three-axle vehicles, 160,061 four to six-axle vehicles, and 899 over-dimensional vehicles, according to the MMRDA.

Atal Setu has implemented strong traffic management and emergency response systems, including the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), Fire-Rescue Vehicles (FRVs), maintenance teams, and patrolling units, which have all contributed to smooth operations and quick incident resolution.

According to the release, three specialized teams are on duty 24/7 to monitor traffic, provide medical assistance in case of injuries, and clear any disruptions that may arise. This proactive approach helps minimize hazards and uphold high safety standards.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mentioned that in just one year, the bridge has significantly transformed the commuting experience for over eight million vehicles, playing a vital role in the economic and social development of the region.

The Atal Setu is a significant infrastructure project, spanning 16.5 km over the sea and an additional 5.5 km on land, designed to enhance connectivity between the Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is expected to open later this year.

Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 17,840 crore, it stands as the longest bridge in India and the longest sea bridge in the country. This 6-lane bridge has notably reduced travel time to destinations like Pune, Goa, and other parts of South India, while also improving the connection between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

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