Mumbai: Amid allegations from Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has addressed concerns regarding the structural integrity of the Atal Setu. Contrary to Patole’s claims of corruption leading to cracks on the newly inaugurated sea bridge, the MMRDA clarified that the reported cracks are actually on the approach road to the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), not on the bridge itself.

The Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, spans from south Mumbai to Navi Mumbai. Addressing the rumors, the MMRDA emphasized that the cracks are found on the approach road connecting Ulwe to Mumbai, not on the main bridge. The MMRDA reassured the public, urging them to dismiss these rumors.

The MMRDA’s official statement highlighted that these cracks are not indicative of any structural defects in the project and do not compromise the safety of the bridge. According to a report by ANI, the MMRDA noted the cracks are being repaired and pose no threat to the integrity of the bridge.

Currently, repair work is underway on the service road in the Ulve area where the cracks were observed. Atal Setu PKG 4 Project Head, Kailash Ganatra, explained that these cracks appeared on a temporary connecting ramp to the main bridge, constructed hastily due to the incomplete coastal road. He attributed the cracks to soil settlement in the area, near the gulf, emphasizing their minor nature.

Ganatra assured that the repair work is progressing and is expected to be completed by the following evening, with no disruption to traffic or public inconvenience. The six-lane, 21.8 km long bridge, which includes a 16.5 km sea-link, was built at a cost of ₹17,840 crore.