In a groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s infrastructure. Costing approximately ₹17,840 crore, the Atal Setu is hailed as an engineering marvel, incorporating innovative technologies used for the first time in India.
Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, highlights the bridge’s unique features, including lights that do not disturb the aquatic environment. The 21.8 km long six-lane bridge, with 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land, promises faster connectivity to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airports, reducing travel time to Pune, Goa, and South India.
During the visit, PM Modi unveils projects worth over ₹30,500 crore in Maharashtra, emphasizing his vision to enhance citizens’ ease of mobility through robust urban transport infrastructure. The Mumbai Transharbour Link, now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu,’ aligns with this vision.
The Prime Minister also lays the foundation stone for an underground road tunnel connecting Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate to Marine Drive, a 9.2 km project costing over ₹8,700 crore. Additionally, PM Modi dedicates phase 1 of the Surya regional bulk drinking water project, benefiting over 14 lakh people in Palghar and Thane districts.
The program includes the dedication of ₹2,000 crore worth of railway projects and the inauguration of the ‘Bharat Ratnam’ Mega Common Facilitation Centre for the gems and jewellery sector. This transformative facility at Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone- Special Economic Zone (SEEPZ SEZ) is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including 3D metal printing, and aims to revolutionize the export sector while contributing to domestic manufacturing.