Mumbai's Atal Setu sees average daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles, well below initial estimates

Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge, recorded an average daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles in its first year of operation, well below the initial projection of over 56,000 vehicles per day.

The 22-km bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024, connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai.

Built at a cost of ₹17,840 crore, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, earlier known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is the country’s longest bridge and a key infrastructure project for Maharashtra.

The six-lane bridge, with 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land, has reduced travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

In a release on Monday, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said the Atal Setu was "emerging as a symbol of modern infrastructure, safety, and efficiency".

"In just one year, it has transformed the commuting experience for over eight million vehicles, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the region," the release quoted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as saying.

Over the past year, the bridge facilitated the movement of 83.06 lakh vehicles. January 14, 2024, saw the highest single-day count of 61,807 vehicles, shortly after its opening. However, the actual traffic figures remain far below the 2021 forecast of 57,525 daily vehicles, with a further target of 88,550 vehicles per day by 2031.

According to MMRDA, 77,28,149 cars, 99,660 mini buses and LCVs, 1,17,604 buses and two-axle trucks, 1,99,636 three-axle vehicles, 1,60,061 four to six-axle ones and 899 over dimensions vehicles used the Atal Setu in the last one year.

"Three specialised teams work 24/7 to monitor traffic, provide medical aid (in case of injuries), and clear disruptions, minimising hazards and maintaining high safety standards," it stated.