The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, popularly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), has come under scrutiny after cracks appeared on its tar road exit towards Ulwe in Navi Mumbai. The Atal Setu, which is the longest sea bridge in the country, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just over five months back.

While the Congress accused the government of corruption over the cracks on the newly-inaugurated bridge, the Maharashtra government authorities clarified that the minor cracks were found on the approach road connecting Atal Setu and the said footpath was not a part of the main bridge.

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole visited the site to inspect the cracks on Friday.

"I have come here to show you that what we are saying is not just an allegation. The government is portraying that they are working for the people, but you can see the corruption here. They are filling their pockets, but who gave them the right to put people’s lives in danger? People should plan how to remove this corrupt government," Patole asserted.

Built at a cost of approximately Rs 17,840 crore, the MTHL was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January this year. The bridge, named in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

"This bridge is named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and we all respect him. But it's unfortunate that corruption is being done here when the bridge is named after him. PM Modi should take note of all this," Patole added.

The cracks were seen on one side of the tar road.

However, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the implementing authority for the bridge construction, said that there were no cracks on the main part of the Atal Setu.

“Minor cracks have been found on the approach road connecting Atal Setu. The said footpath is not a part of the main bridge but is a service road connecting the bridge. It is also very important to note that the cracks are not due to structural defects in the project and do not pose any threat to the structure of the bridge,” MMRDA said.

Source: India Today