Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), concerns about the integrity of the Atal Setu were brought to the forefront. Senior Congress leader Nana Patole alleged widespread corruption linked to the project and made pointed accusations against the Prime Minister, suggesting that coercion and threats of investigations were being used to manipulate political allegiance and appointments.
Patole’s remarks were in response to observations of minor cracks detected near the Ulwe end of the seabridge. He criticised the naming of the project after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, asserting that it was tarnished by corruption.
Addressing these allegations, officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) clarified that the detected cracks were not on the bridge itself but on the approach road. During an inspection by the operation and maintenance team on June 20, minor longitudinal cracks were found in the asphalt pavement at three locations on Ramp 5, the ramp leading towards Mumbai. An MMRDA official stated, “These are minor longitudinal cracks in the asphalt pavement. These cracks are not on the bridge itself but on the approach road.”
To mitigate the issue, the contractor Strabag promptly initiated repair work, which is expected to be completed within 24 hours. This swift response aims to ensure the safety and integrity of the infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded robustly to Patole’s allegations, emphasising that there were no cracks on the Atal Setu itself and no danger posed to the structure. Fadnavis accused the Congress party of fabricating a divisive narrative based on falsehoods. He said, “There is no crack on the Atal Setu, nor is there any danger to it. These pictures are of the approach road. But one thing is clear that the Congress party has crafted a long plan of ‘division’ using lies. Talks of changing the Constitution in the elections, unlocking EVMs from phones after the elections, and now such false claims… The people of the country will reject this divisive plan and corrupt attitude of Congress.”
In support, the Maharashtra BJP’s social media post stated, “Please stop defaming the Atal Bridge. The cracks visible in the photo are not on the Atal Bridge itself but on the road leading up to it. Repair work commenced promptly and is nearing completion.”
This incident underscores the ongoing political tensions and the broader issues of accountability and transparency in infrastructure projects. While the immediate concerns about the structural integrity of the Atal Setu have been addressed, the political ramifications and public perceptions continue to unfold. As repairs near completion, the focus now shifts to ensuring rigorous oversight and maintaining public trust in significant infrastructure projects like the Atal Setu.
