PM Modi Inaugurates India's Longest Sea Bridge!
By A Draft Correspondent
India commemorates a triumph in engineering prowess with the inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, a monumental sea bridge that spans from Sewri to Nhava Sheva. Beyond its sheer length and the transformative impact on connectivity, the Atal Setu stands as a beacon of environmental responsibility, successfully navigating and mitigating potential ecological challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating Atal Setu - India's longest sea bridge |
The manifestation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to enhance citizens' 'ease of mobility' comes to life in the Mumbai Transharbour Link (MTHL), rechristened as 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.' Inaugurated with the laying of its foundation stone in December 2016, this six-lane bridge extends a remarkable 21.8 km, with 16.5 km gracefully stretching over the sea and an additional 5.5 km on solid ground, promising swift and efficient connectivity.
A standout feature of the Atal Setu is its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Pioneering technologies, a first in India, have been seamlessly integrated into the bridge's construction, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The bridge's illumination has been meticulously crafted to harmonize with the aquatic environment, setting a groundbreaking standard for eco-friendly infrastructure.
The cabinet proposal for Atal Setu outlines substantial reductions in both distance and travel time. The anticipated 15-kilometer reduction in distance between Panvel in Raigad district and Sewri in south-central Mumbai, coupled with a condensed travel time of 15 to 20 minutes (down from the previous two hours), not only amplifies connectivity but also contributes significantly to curbing carbon emissions—an essential facet of environmental conservation.
Lauded as an engineering marvel by MMRDA Metropolitan Commssioner Sanjay Mukherjee, Atal Setu transcends sheer strength. The steel used in its construction surpasses that of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris by an astounding 17 times. The bridge incorporates cutting-edge technologies, such as orthotropic steel decks for expansive spans, and deploys river circulation rings to minimize sound and vibrations, safeguarding the delicate marine life in its vicinity.
The environmental advocacy organization, the Bombay Natural History Society, has bestowed Atal Setu with a certificate of appreciation for its outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. This recognition underscores the positive ecological impact of the bridge, positioning it as a model for responsible infrastructure development.
As India proudly unveils the Atal Setu, the project serves as a remarkable illustration of the harmonious coexistence between progress and environmental responsibility. Beyond its role in connecting regions and enhancing urban mobility, the bridge stands as a testament to the nation's dedication to sustainable development practices.
Atal Setu shines as an inspiring example of how infrastructure projects can be executed with a profound awareness of environmental impact, setting the stage for future endeavors that prioritize both connectivity and ecological conservation.
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