Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Toll Rate Continuation of Rs 250 on Atal Setu Until December
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Cabinet, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved the continuation of the toll rate of Rs 250 on the Atal Setu until December 2025. This decision follows the bridge's successful operation and its significant impact on urban mobility between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Key Takeaways
- Toll collection on Atal Setu extended until December 2025.
- Current concessional rate of Rs 250 remains unchanged.
- Atal Setu facilitates over 83 lakh vehicle movements in a year.
- Advanced systems ensure efficient traffic management.
- Major improvement in urban connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Mumbai, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has sanctioned the extension of toll collection at the 21.8-km Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivdi-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu for an additional year until December 2025, maintaining the current concessional rate of Rs 250.
The Atal Setu, constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), was inaugurated for public vehicular use on January 13, 2024.
As per the Chief Minister's office, a toll rate of Rs 250 was established during a Cabinet meeting on January 4 of the previous year, which represented 50 percent of the rate that the MMRDA initially proposed.
During the recent Cabinet session, the decision to uphold the toll at the current concessional rate until December 31, 2025 was ratified.
Last year, the Urban Development Department suggested a toll rate of Rs 350, while the MMRDA put forth a recommendation of Rs 500 per trip.
Since its opening, the Atal Setu has seen 83,06,009 vehicles, playing a crucial role in promoting smoother and quicker transit between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
With an average daily traffic volume of 22,689 vehicles, the highest recorded single-day traffic peaked at 61,807 on January 14, 2024.
The MMRDA reports that the Atal Setu is equipped with advanced traffic management and emergency response systems, which include the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), Fire-Rescue Vehicles (FRVs), maintenance crews, and patrolling units, ensuring efficient operations and rapid incident response.
Three specialized teams operate around the clock to monitor traffic, provide medical assistance, clear obstructions, reduce risks, and uphold high safety standards.
Out of the 83,06,009 vehicles, there were 77,28,149 cars, 99,660 LCV/Minibuses, 1,17,604 Buses/2-Axle Trucks, 1,99,636 MAV (3-Axle), 1,60,061 MAV (4-6 Axle), and 899 Oversize Vehicles.
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated: 'The Atal Setu exemplifies our administration's dedication to developing world-class infrastructure in Maharashtra. In just one year, it has revolutionized the commuting experience for over 8 million vehicles, significantly aiding the region's economic and social progress. I commend the MMRDA team for their unwavering commitment and foresight in achieving this milestone.'
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde remarked: 'The Atal Setu is more than a bridge; it serves as a vital artery that has transformed urban mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Its outstanding operational performance highlights the efficacy of advanced traffic management and emergency response protocols. This achievement is a source of pride for Maharashtra and a stepping stone toward future infrastructure success.'
Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee stated, 'The bridge's commendable safety record and operational efficiency showcase our commitment to innovation and sustainability in infrastructure development. By ensuring rapid access to Mumbai, we are dedicated to meeting the region's growing connectivity demands.'
