Mumbai: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, the country’s longest sea bridge, connecting south Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. Valued at ₹17,840 crore, the 21.8 km trans-harbor bridge, including a 16.5 km sea link, was completed despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the inauguration, PM Modi emphasized the bridge’s significance as a symbol of a transformed India.
In 2016, when laying the foundation stone for the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), PM Modi vowed to bring about change. Reflecting on the completion of the project, he highlighted the shift from discussing mega scams before 2014 to celebrating the timely completion of mega projects now. The prime minister asserted that the Atal Setu, part of the “Viksit Bharat Sankalp” (resolve to develop India), was a testament to the government’s commitment to progress.
PM Modi also mentioned other upcoming projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai coastal road, AURIC in Marathwada, the Mumbai-Delhi Industrial Corridor, and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, emphasizing their positive impact on Maharashtra’s economy. He acknowledged the global attention on the Atal Setu and thanked the Japanese government for its financial support.
Describing the bridge as a reflection of “Viksit Bharat,” PM Modi emphasized the government’s dedication to development across rail, road, metro, and water sectors. He praised the Maharashtra government for implementing women’s welfare and empowerment schemes under the “Modi guarantee.”
Highlighting the enormity of the Atal Setu, PM Modi noted that the steel used in its construction could build four Howrah Bridges and six Statues of Liberty. Expressing gratitude to the late Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan, PM Modi recalled their commitment to expeditiously completing the project.
In closing, Prime Minister Modi underscored that the Atal Setu was not just a physical bridge but a symbol of India’s aspirations realized over the past ten years. He contrasted his government’s clean intentions and commitment to progress with what he described as the previous government’s focus on vote bank politics and self-interest. PM Modi highlighted the substantial increase in the infrastructure budget from ₹12 lakh crore to ₹44 lakh crore after assuming power, declaring that “Modi’s guarantee begins when expectations from others cease to exist.”
Delighted to inaugurate Atal Setu, a significant step forward in enhancing the ‘Ease of Living’ for our citizens. This bridge promises to reduce travel time and boost connectivity, making daily commutes smoother. pic.twitter.com/B77PSiGhMK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2024
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