On February 17th, Mumbai authorities announced the temporary closure of the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), commonly referred to as Atal Setu, due to the L&T Sea Bridge Marathon 2024. This closure is part of the arrangements made to facilitate the marathon route, which will traverse the sea link. Commuters are advised that the trans-harbour link will be inaccessible from 11 pm on Saturday, February 17th, until 1 pm on Sunday, February 18th, as confirmed by the Mumbai Police.
The Mumbai Traffic Police took to social media to inform the public about the closure, stating, “In view of the #AtalSetu (MTHL) route Marathon from Gadi Adda Mumbai to Chirle Navi Mumbai on Sunday 18th Feb, following arrangements will be in place from 11 pm on 17th Feb to 1 pm on 18th Feb. No vehicles will be allowed on #AtalSetu during this period.”
During the marathon event, vehicular operations on the Atal Setu will be temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of participants and facilitate the smooth conduct of the race. To minimize potential traffic congestion and confusion among commuters, alternative routes have been designated by the Mumbai Police for their convenience.
The closure of the MTHL for the marathon highlights the significance of large-scale events in urban planning and traffic management. Such events require meticulous coordination between event organizers, law enforcement agencies, and local authorities to ensure minimal disruption to daily life while accommodating the needs of participants and spectators.
Meanwhile, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) sea bridge, which was inaugurated recently, has witnessed significant traffic since its opening. The 21.8 km-long bridge, connecting Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai to Sewri in Mumbai, has recorded traffic of over 8 lakh vehicles so far, according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Sanjay Mukherjee, the Commissioner of the MMRDA, provided insights into the traffic patterns on the bridge since its inauguration. He highlighted concerns regarding vehicles passing without paying toll fees, stating that nearly 4% of vehicles have gone without paying tolls since the bridge’s opening. Mukherjee emphasized the need to address this issue to ensure the sustainability of toll collection operations.
Despite concerns about toll evasion, Mukherjee noted the positive impact of the MTHL on reducing travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The bridge has significantly shortened the commute, with the journey now taking just 20 minutes between the two destinations. This improvement in connectivity is expected to have long-term benefits for commuters and contribute to the economic development of the region.
However, Mukherjee also addressed safety concerns associated with the MTHL, mentioning that four accidents occurred on the bridge within a month of its opening, resulting in injuries to five individuals. These incidents underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and ongoing monitoring to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of commuters.
The temporary closure of the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link for the L&T Sea Bridge Marathon underscores the need for careful planning and coordination to manage large-scale events in urban areas. While such events contribute to the vibrancy of city life, they must be managed effectively to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and convenience of all stakeholders involved.
