The Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Sealink (MTHL), has marked one year of its opening on Monday, January 13. In its first year of operations, the bridge has fallen short of its initial traffic projections. It recorded an average daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles during its first year.
In contrast, a study by the MMRDA and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had predicted 40,000 daily users in the same period.
The 22-kilometer-long bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13, 2024. It connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai and is the longest sea bridge in India.
MMRDA officials reported that 8,306,009 vehicles used the bridge in the first year. This included 77,281 cars, 117,604 trucks, 99,660 minibuses, 899 large vehicles, and other types of vehicles. The highest single-day traffic was recorded shortly after its inauguration on January 14, 2024, with 61,807 vehicles.
High toll prices have been cited as a major reason for the lower-than-expected traffic. One-way toll charges range from INR 200 to INR 250 depending on the route. Passenger cars pay INR 300 for a round trip. Daily passes are priced at INR 500, while monthly passes cost INR 10,000. In contrast, the Vashi Toll Naka offers a comparable travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai without additional toll expenses.
The Maharashtra government has recently given relaxation to smaller vehicles from toll charges at five entry points in Mumbai, including the Vashi Toll Naka, which has also influenced traffic patterns. This has reduced the number of vehicles opting for the MTHL.
Despite these challenges, the Atal Setu has improved connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It provides access to destinations like Panvel, Alibaug, Pune, and Goa. The bridge is equipped with modern infrastructure, including an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), fire-rescue vehicles (FRVs), and round-the-clock maintenance and patrolling services.
Furthermore, the nearly completed Worli-Sewri elevated road will provide a quick 5–10 minute drive to the bridge from Worli Sea Face. The planned extension of the Chirle Interchange to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will also help with the bridge’s role in connecting South Mumbai, the western suburbs, and beyond.