Navi Mumbai: NMMT Breaks Ground: Public Transport Services Set to Navigate Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
Navi Mumbai, 14th February 2024: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) is set to roll out public transport services on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), popularly known as the Atal Setu. The inaugural run, featuring air-conditioned bus number 115, will connect Nerul to Mantralaya, passing through Ulwe and the Kharkopar belt.
With an unchanged fare of ₹90 for the 52-kilometre journey from Nerul to Mantralaya, NMMT aims to provide at least four services, including two air-conditioned electric buses traversing the iconic sea link. Yogesh Kaduskar, NMMT manager, confirmed the plans, stating, “We have planned at least four services, and two air-conditioned electric buses will ply through the bridge.”
Initially running from Kharkopar to Mantralaya, bus no 115 will extend its route to Nerul based on residents’ demand. However, the question of whether public transport will receive toll concessions on the Atal Setu, amidst substantial charges imposed on private buses, remains uncertain.
In a parallel development, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has collaborated with the Chalo app to finalize bus route S-145, providing an additional public transport option on the Atal Setu.
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, spans 21.8 km, with 16.5 km over the sea. At a cost of ₹17,840 crore, this trans-harbour sea link is anticipated to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, making the journey a mere 15-20 minutes.
