Longest Bridge in Maharashtra, Key Features and Structure

Longest Bridge in Maharashtra: The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, officially known as the Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link, is a monumental engineering achievement in India, standing as the longest sea bridge in the country as well as Maharashtra. Spanning 21.8 kilometers, this bridge connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Raigad district, significantly enhancing connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The project, initiated by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), has been a long-awaited solution to the region's transportation challenges.

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Longest Bridge in Maharashtra

The longest bridge in Maharashtra is the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, officially named the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. Spanning 21.8 kilometers, it connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, significantly enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times. This six-lane bridge is the longest sea bridge in India, built at a cost of over ₹17,840 crore. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024. 

Structure and Social Impact of the Longest Bridge in Maharashtra

Here are some key features of Maharashtra’s and longest bridge “The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link”. 

• Length and Structure

The bridge stretches over a total length of 21.8 kilometers, with 16.5 kilometers constructed over the sea and 5.5 kilometers on land. It features a six-lane highway, divided into three lanes in each direction, along with an emergency lane on both sides. 

• Engineering and Technology

The bridge incorporates advanced Japanese technology, ensuring a robust structure designed to last for 100 years. It is the first in India to use orthotropic steel deck spans, allowing for longer spans without obstructing shipping routes.The bridge includes an emergency escape passage and a ventilation system to handle unforeseen circumstances.

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• Environmental Considerations

The project includes environmental measures such as noise barriers and vision barriers to protect local wildlife, particularly in areas like the Sewri mudflats and mangrove habitats.

• Connectivity and Benefits

The MTHL significantly reduces travel time between Sewri and Chirle from approximately two hours to under 20 minutes. It provides direct connectivity to the Nhava Sheva port, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Mumbai-Goa Highway, enhancing economic development in the region.

• Financial and Project Details

The project was financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), covering 80% of the total cost, with the remaining portion shared between the state and central governments.The total project cost is estimated at ₹17,843 crore.The bridge is expected to handle a daily traffic of approximately 70,000 vehicles.

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• Inauguration and Operational Details

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024. The bridge is designed to operate with advanced systems such as automated toll collection and intelligent transport systems, allowing vehicles to pass through toll booths at speeds of up to 100 km/h without stopping.

Key Features of Longest Bridge in Maharashtra

• Location: Mumbai Harbour, between Sewri and Nhava Sheva.

• Length: Approximately 22 kilometers.

• Type: Cable-stayed bridge with multiple lanes for vehicular traffic.

• Project Cost: Estimated at ₹17,843 crore.

• Completion: The project was completed in 2024, with the bridge opened to public traffic after.

• Construction Timeline: Construction began in 2018 and is finished in 2024.

• Environmental Measures: The bridge’s design accounts for marine ecology, with several provisions for minimal disruption to local biodiversity.

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