History

Atal Setu History: How India Built Its Longest Sea Bridge

A 21.8 km sea bridge first proposed in 1963. Work began in 2018 and it opened on 13 January 2024.

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THE FIRST IDEA

A Bridge Proposed Across the Harbour

Wilbur Smith and Associates suggested a Sewri to Uran harbour crossing in a transport study. The cheaper Vashi creek bridge was built instead.

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THE ROUTE

JRD Tata's Steering Group

A steering group chaired by JRD Tata recommended a Sewri to Nhava Sheva link. In the mid-1980s the cost was put at about Rs 350 crore.

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THE DEADLOCK

Bids That Went Nowhere

Reliance Energy with Hyundai and Mukesh Ambani's Sea King bid concessions of 9 years 11 months and 75 years. The award ended in the Supreme Court, and a 2008 round drew…

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NEW OWNER

MMRDA Takes Charge

A 4 February 2009 order made MMRDA the owner. In 2011 it became a regional development project, justified by growth in Navi Mumbai and Raigad.

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THE MONEY

Clearances, JICA and a Foundation Stone

After environmental and forest clearances, Japan's JICA agreed to lend most of the cost. Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on 24 December 2016.

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CONSTRUCTION

Work Begins in the Harbour

Work began in March to April 2018 after contracts went to L&T with IHI, Daewoo with Tata Projects, and L&T. COVID-19 later cost about eight months.

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A FIRST FOR INDIA

The First Steel Deck Span

On 14 January 2022 a 118.8 m, 1,331-tonne orthotropic steel deck was lifted onto its piers by barge, the first in India. Later spans reach 180 m.

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OPENING

Atal Setu Opens

Narendra Modi inaugurated it on 12 January 2024 and it opened to traffic on 13 January. The car toll was Rs 250 one way.

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REALITY CHECK

Traffic Below Forecast

First-year traffic averaged 22,689 vehicles a day, against a projection of about 57,525. Navi Mumbai's airport opened on 25 December 2025.

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WHAT'S NEXT

Connectors to Worli and Pune

A 7.35 km link to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is due in February 2027, and the Sewri-Worli connector in early 2027.

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