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Mumbai (Maharashtra): Today marks a significant milestone for India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu,’ commonly known as Atal Setu. Priced at approximately ₹ 17,840 crore, this colossal structure is hailed as India’s longest sea bridge, stretching over 21.8 km.
Highlighting its innovative design, Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, emphasized the use of groundbreaking technologies, many of which have been introduced for the first time in India. Notably, the bridge’s illumination system has been meticulously designed to ensure it does not disrupt the marine ecosystem, earning accolades as an “engineering marvel” from experts.
The Atal Setu aims to revolutionize Mumbai’s connectivity, linking essential areas such as the Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Moreover, this infrastructure masterpiece promises to slash travel durations significantly, benefiting routes from Mumbai to Pune, Goa, and South India. Furthermore, it’s poised to enhance connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
Besides inaugurating the iconic bridge, PM Modi will unveil a slew of developmental projects in Maharashtra, collectively valued at over ₹ 30,500 crore. His vision emphasizes bolstering urban transport infrastructure, aiming to enhance citizens’ ease of mobility.
Underground Road Tunnel: PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a pivotal 9.2 km underground road tunnel, connecting Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate to Marine Drive, with an estimated cost exceeding ₹ 8700 crore.
Water Supply Initiative: The Prime Minister is set to dedicate phase 1 of the Surya regional bulk drinking water project, a vital initiative expected to benefit approximately 14 lakh residents across Palghar and Thane districts, developed at a cost of over ₹ 1,975 crore.
Railway Projects and Gem & Jewellery Sector: Additionally, PM Modi will inaugurate railway projects worth around ₹ 2000 crore. The highlight also includes the unveiling of the ‘Bharat Ratnam’ (Mega Common Facilitation Centre) at Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone- Special Economic Zone (SEEPZ SEZ), a pioneering initiative set to redefine the gems and jewellery export sector in India.
