No Toll Hike for Atal Setu: Maharashtra Government Extends Relief for Another Year
No Toll Hike for Atal Setu: Maharashtra Government Extends Relief for Another Year
Maharashtra commuters have received good news as the state government announced that the toll for the Atal Setu bridge will remain unchanged at ₹250 for the next 12 months. This decision was finalized during a state cabinet meeting led by the BJP government.
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva, popularly known as Atal Setu, is India’s longest sea bridge, stretching nearly 22 kilometers. Connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, the bridge has become a vital infrastructure project since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024. Built at a cost of approximately ₹17,840 crore, the bridge has been lauded for its modern design and significant impact on regional connectivity.
Toll Relief Amid Promising Infrastructure Developments
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) emphasized in a recent statement that the Atal Setu is “emerging as a symbol of modern infrastructure, safety, and efficiency.” Since its opening, the bridge has facilitated the movement of 8,306,009 vehicles, ensuring smoother and faster transit between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Daily traffic on the bridge averages 22,689 vehicles, falling short of the initial projections of over 56,000 vehicles per day. The highest single-day count of 61,807 vehicles was recorded on January 14, 2024, just two days after its launch.
The MMRDA provided detailed statistics on vehicle usage over the past year:
- 77,28,149 cars
- 99,660 mini buses and light commercial vehicles (LCVs)
- 1,17,604 buses and two-axle trucks
- 1,99,636 three-axle vehicles
- 1,60,061 four-to-six-axle vehicles
- 899 over-dimension vehicles
Boost to Regional Connectivity and Economy
The Atal Setu, with its 16.5 km stretch over the sea and 5.5 km on land, links the Mumbai International Airport with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is expected to be operational later this year.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis commented, “In just one year, the Atal Setu has transformed the commuting experience for over eight million vehicles, significantly contributing to the region’s economic and social development.”
The government’s decision to keep the toll steady reflects its commitment to maintaining affordability for daily commuters while promoting the use of this landmark infrastructure.
By extending toll relief, the Maharashtra government ensures that the Atal Setu continues to serve as a cost-effective, efficient, and safe mode of transport for millions, further solidifying its role as a critical contributor to regional progress.
