The overwhelming dominance of private cars in its traffic composition highlights both the immediate relief it offers to commuters and the ongoing challenge of steering urban mobility towards more sustainable, public transport-centric solutions for a truly zero-net-carbon and equitable city.
Data released by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) indicates that from January 13, 2024, to July 24, 2025, a total of 13,163,177 vehicles utilised the 22-kilometre bridge. A striking 91% of this traffic, amounting to over 1.2 crore vehicles, comprised private cars. While light commercial vehicles, buses, and various categories of trucks also used the link, their combined share remained significantly lower. This traffic pattern underscores the continued reliance on personal vehicles, even as the city invests in large-scale public infrastructure, posing questions for future urban planning and transport policy.
The MTHL, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides a seamless end-to-end connection between Sewri in South Mumbai and Chirle in Navi Mumbai, featuring crucial interchanges at Sewri, Ulwe, and Chirle. With 16.5 kilometres stretching over the sea and 5.5 kilometres on land viaducts, it stands as the nation’s longest sea link. Its primary benefit has been a dramatic reduction in travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, from nearly an hour to under 20 minutes, significantly cutting fuel consumption and offering a smoother commuting experience.
Beyond the immediate convenience, the Atal Setu’s impact on urban development is profound. By drastically shortening travel times, it facilitates greater economic integration between Mumbai and the rapidly developing Navi Mumbai, potentially fostering decentralised growth and reducing pressure on Mumbai’s core. The reduced fuel consumption directly contributes to lower carbon emissions, aligning with the city’s environmental goals. However, the high proportion of private vehicles also signals the need for parallel investments in high-capacity public transport and last-mile connectivity solutions to truly leverage the bridge for sustainable, eco-friendly urban mobility.
The initial operational data, including daily vehicle counts soaring from 28,176 on its first day to 54,977 by the second, demonstrates the immediate demand for such infrastructure. While the bridge operates with a speed limit of 100 kmph, with ramps restricted to 40 kmph, the jurisdiction is divided between Mumbai Police and Nhava Sheva police. This landmark project, while a testament to engineering prowess and connectivity enhancement, also presents a critical juncture for urban planners to strategically integrate it with public transit networks, ensuring that its benefits are equitably distributed and that it truly serves as a catalyst for a sustainable, gender-neutral, and resilient urban future.
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