Infrastructure

Atal Setu: India's Longest Sea Bridge: A Path to Progress


30, January 2026

The first time anyone sees Atal Setu,

They just can't believe it's in India!

Yes, Atal Setu is the finest testimonial for Indian infrastructural brilliance.

The Atal Setu Bridge which is also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), connecting Sewri in Mumbai and ending at Nhava Sheva in Uran, is an engineering wonder that runs over the Arabian Sea.

It is the longest sea bridge in India With a total length of 21.8 kilometers.

The construction of this bridge is a significant milestone in the country's infrastructure development. It has been nothing short of extraordinary due to the many challenges posed by its Seaside location.

But the View and Functionality is worth it!

A Brief History of Atal Setu

The dream of a sea bridge between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai appeared decades ago. However, due to various obstacles, the project was repeatedly delayed. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2024 and named after the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Why do we need Atal Setu?

Mumbai is home to over 12.5 million people and handles over 40% of India’s seaborne goods. The present roads linking Mumbai Island City to the mainland become very crowded, with average traffic speeds decreasing to 10-15 kmph during peak hours.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project, which connects Sewri on the Mumbai mainland to Chirle on Nhava Island, will help redirect traffic away from crowded roads. It can handle more than 70,000 vehicles each day. This sea bridge reduces travel time between the two places from more than 90 minutes to only 20 minutes.

The sea link also helped to improve Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Kharghar, and other underdeveloped areas. The increased connection and decreased travel time are projected to encourage greater business and residential development in these areas.

Atal Setu - Key Features

Length: The Atal Setu spans an impressive 21.8 kilometers, with 16.5 kilometers over the sea and 5.5 kilometers on land.

Design: The bridge is a six-lane concrete cable-stayed bridge built to deal with high traffic and bad weather.

Traffic: It is planned to carry more than 70,000 cars per day, reducing traffic on current roadways and improving interaction between the two cities.

Economic Impact: The bridge is projected to increase the region's economic growth by attracting investments and creating new jobs.

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In this blog, we'll look at how the Atal Setu was built and why it's one of India's most outstanding infrastructure feats.

Construction of Atal Setu

Construction of Atal Setu took over 5 years from 2018 to 2023, with a total cost of ₹17,083 crore. This 21.8-kilometer link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai includes a 16.5 kilometer long portion built over water, making it India's longest sea bridge.

The magnitude of design and construction was unparalleled, requiring 165,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement, 96,250 tonnes of structural steel sheets and plates, and 830,000 cubic meters of concrete. To permit the large spans over water, 70 unique orthotropic steel decks were already constructed, totaling about 96,250 tons of specialty steel. The longest span is 180 meters between piers, setting a record for India's largest bridge span built over water.

Deep Water Construction: The bridge's foundation had to be constructed in deep water, requiring the adoption of creative methods such as jack-up barges and underwater drilling.

Environmental Concerns: The project has claimed to have only a minimum impact on the marine environment. Several efforts were implemented to protect the seabed and marine life, including the use of eco-friendly construction materials and procedures.

Traffic Management: For the construction of the bridge, closing the existing roads was mandatory, which led to traffic jams. To reduce traveler's difficulty, officials had to put up a plan for traffic management strategy.

Despite all these challenges, the Atal Setu project was completed successfully. This bridge combines many innovative technologies. The dedication and expertise of the engineers and construction workers ensure the successful completion of the bridge

Cable-Stayed Design: The cable-stayed design enables the bridge to extend great distances without requiring intermediate supports.

Seismic Design: The bridge is built to resist earthquakes, making it safe in the case of a natural disaster.

To conclude

The Atal Setu sea bridge that connects Mumbai and Navi Mumbai represents India's technical brilliance and infrastructural development. It has changed Mumbai's geographic connectivity while performing as a symbol of growth and national pride.

Its economic, tourism, and transportation impacts are greatly significant to the city. As the Atal Setu continues to serve the nation, it will undoubtedly create a legacy for future generations.

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Most Frequently Asked Questions?

What is Atal Setu, and where is it located?

Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is a sea bridge connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai. It spans 21.8 kilometers, making it the longest sea bridge in India.

When was the Atal Setu inaugurated, and how long did it take to build?  

Atal Setu was inaugurated in January 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The construction took five years, starting in 2018, and was completed in 2023.

What were the major challenges faced during the construction of Atal Setu?  

The main challenges included constructing the foundation in deep water, managing environmental concerns to protect marine life, and traffic management during construction. Advanced techniques like jack-up barges and eco-friendly materials were used.

What is the construction cost of the Atal Setu?  

The total construction cost of the Atal Setu is ₹17,083 crore.

What is the expected traffic capacity of the Atal Setu?  

The bridge is designed to handle over 70,000 vehicles per day, greatly reducing congestion on existing roads between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

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