Atal Setu: India’s Longest Sea Bridge, Celebrates First Anniversary Today; Check Its Key Features Inside

The Atal Setu, or Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is a 21.8-kilometer-long sea bridge designed to drastically reduce the travel time between Sewri in Mumbai and the Nhava Sheva area in Raigad district. What once took two hours will now take just 15-20 minutes, according to an ET Now report.

This six-lane bridge features 3+3 lanes and two emergency lanes, with 16.5 kilometres of the stretch over the sea and 5.5 kilometres on land. It connects directly to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, facilitating faster travel to important locations such as the Mumbai-Goa Highway, JNPT Port, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Photo Credit: PTI

Atal Setu is not only India's longest bridge but also the longest sea bridge in the country and the 12th longest sea bridge globally. It is expected to handle 70,000 vehicles daily, doubling the current traffic, which averages 35,000-40,000 vehicles.

As part of India's first multi-mode toll project, the bridge will feature conventional stop-and-go, Open Barrier, and Free-Flow tolling systems, streamlining traffic management. The bridge is set to reduce carbon emissions by 47,421 tonnes annually and save 20.6 million litres of fuel each year.

Advanced technology ensures safety and smooth traffic flow. An AI-powered incident detection system identifies obstructions, accidents, and congestion. The bridge is equipped with 190 AI-based thermal cameras for accident prevention and congestion management, alongside 130+ high-definition cameras offering 24/7 surveillance.

The bridge is also eco-friendly, with a streetlight design certified by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to prevent light dispersion into the sea, protecting marine life. Additionally, 36 under-bridge cameras monitor marine activity.

With real-time alerts provided by six video display boards, Atal Setu is set to transform travel between Mumbai and Raigad, benefiting millions daily.