Mumbai: Atal Setu Traffic Falls Short of Projections Despite Milestone Completion

Mumbai, 14th January 2025: India’s longest sea bridge, the Atal Setu, which was inaugurated a year ago, has seen an average daily traffic of less than 23,000 vehicles, falling short of the projected 56,000 vehicles per day.
The nearly 22-km-long bridge, linking Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12th January 2024, marking the completion of a significant infrastructure project in Maharashtra.
Costing approximately Rs 17,840 crore, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu is not only the longest bridge in India but also the country’s longest sea bridge.
According to a statement released by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the bridge, formerly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), has become a symbol of modern infrastructure, safety, and efficiency. The bridge has facilitated the movement of over 83 million vehicles in the past year, significantly easing travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The MMRDA report noted that, by 2021, it was expected that 57,525 vehicles would use the bridge daily, with the number projected to reach 88,550 by 2031. However, the average daily traffic since its opening has been 22,689 vehicles, with the highest single-day count reaching 61,807 on 14th January 2024, shortly after the bridge was opened to the public.
Over the last year, a total of 77.28 million cars, 99,660 minibuses, 117,604 buses, and various other vehicles, including trucks and three-axle vehicles, have crossed the Atal Setu.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that, in just one year, the bridge has significantly improved the commuting experience for millions and has contributed to the region’s economic and social development.
The bridge also boasts advanced traffic management systems, including an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), Fire-Rescue Vehicles (FRVs), and dedicated maintenance and patrolling teams, ensuring smooth operations and quick response to incidents.
With a total length of 22 km, including 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land, the Atal Setu is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune, Goa, and South India. It also improves connectivity between the Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, slated to open later this year, as well as enhancing access between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.