Will Chennai Get An Atal Setu-Like Sea Bridge? Tamil Nadu Minister Hints At Ambitious Plan

Will Tamil Nadu get an Atal Setu-like sea bridge in Chennai? Well, in a major development aimed at revolutionizing Chennai's infrastructure, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, EV Velu, announced plans to explore the construction of a 15 km-long sea bridge linking Lighthouse and Neelankarai, The Hindu reported.

Ambitious Sea Bridge Project

This ambitious project, under discussion in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, seeks to alleviate traffic congestion and streamline connectivity in the coastal city.

Responding to a question by MLA K. Pitchandi, who suggested a bridge akin to Mumbai's Atal Setu to connect Pattinapakkam and Mamallapuram, the minister said, "In the first phase, linking Lighthouse and Neelankarai through a bridge over the sea for a stretch of 15 km, is under consideration. The State Highways Department is involved in preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The source of funds for the project, whether it is from the Centre or the State or any other means, will be decided later,"

The Tamil Nadu government has long considered sea bridges as a viable solution to urban traffic woes. A similar plan was under consideration in 2021 to address container movement challenges in north Chennai. That plan aimed to build a 7.6 km sea bridge connecting Chennai Port's Gate No. 1 to the Manali Road-Tiruvottiyur junction.

Atal Setu

This latest proposal draws inspiration from Mumbai's Atal Setu, a 21.8 km engineering marvel inaugurated in January 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge, seamlessly connects South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, reducing travel time and easing congestion.

The cost of the six-lane highway was Rs 17,843 crore and the bridge can handle over 70,00 vehicles in a day. It is the longest sea bridge in India, and the world's 12th longest sea bridge.

Chennai's vision for a sea bridge could mark a new era in the city's urban planning, significantly enhancing its infrastructure and connectivity.