Anand Mahindra’s Experience Driving on Mumbai’s Atal Setu: Gliding on Water [Video]

Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra Group, recently shared his experience driving on Mumbai’s Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge. In a social media post, he likened the journey across the bridge to “gliding on water” in a hovercraft.

Finally got to drive on the Atal Setu the previous weekend.

A fine piece of engineering that makes you feel like you’re a hovercraft gliding on water.

It was during daytime that I both traveled to and returned from Pune so I couldn’t experience the magnificent view at dusk as… pic.twitter.com/ddq2VZhG69

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) February 6, 2024

He expressed his eagerness to drive on the bridge again, particularly to witness its beauty at dusk. Mahindra wrote, “Finally got to drive on the Atal Setu the previous weekend. A fine piece of engineering that makes you feel like you’re a hovercraft gliding on water. It was during daytime that I both traveled to and returned from Pune so I couldn’t experience the magnificent view at dusk as is visible in the viral pic on the right.”

The Atal Setu, officially known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is a monumental infrastructure project inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12. Stretching over 21.8 kilometers, this engineering marvel connects the bustling metropolis of Mumbai with the burgeoning city of Navi Mumbai.

This bridge isn’t just about reducing travel time; it’s about forging vital connections and catalyzing economic growth. With a travel time cut down from two hours to a mere 20 minutes between Sewri and Nhava Sheva, the Atal Setu is a game-changer for daily commuters and businesses alike.

Featuring a 6-lane highway spanning 16.5 kilometers over the sea and 5.5 kilometers on land, the Atal Setu is a visual testament to Mumbai’s dynamism and progress. Its cable-stayed section gracefully stretches across the harbor, symbolizing the region’s ambition and potential.

The Atal Setu stands as a beacon of progress and ambition, promising a brighter future for Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. With its blend of engineering excellence and economic potential, it represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards prosperity and development. Soon, Mumbai’s public city bus service known as BEST, will start operating buses on Atal Setu. This should make the bridge accessible to not just car users but also those who use public transport. This service could greatly benefit those who want to save time but use public transport.

However, alongside its remarkable achievements, the Atal Setu also poses challenges. Concerns about high toll charges and accessibility for all must be addressed. Moreover, sustainability efforts need to be prioritized to ensure the bridge’s long-term environmental harmony.

The smooth black top and stunning views offered by the Atal Setu has attracted its fair share of visitors. Initially, the bridge became a picnic spot of sorts with hundreds of cars parked on the shoulder. Mumbai Police cracked down on these cars, and fined a few motorists. While the bridge has a speed limit, a rashly driven Maruti Ignis managed to clip the retaining wall. Click here to read about that incident. 

Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra Group, recently shared his experience driving on Mumbai’s Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge. In a social media post, he likened the journey across the bridge to “gliding on water” in a hovercraft.

Finally got to drive on the Atal Setu the previous weekend.

A fine piece of engineering that makes you feel like you’re a hovercraft gliding on water.

It was during daytime that I both traveled to and returned from Pune so I couldn’t experience the magnificent view at dusk as… pic.twitter.com/ddq2VZhG69

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) February 6, 2024

He expressed his eagerness to drive on the bridge again, particularly to witness its beauty at dusk. Mahindra wrote, “Finally got to drive on the Atal Setu the previous weekend. A fine piece of engineering that makes you feel like you’re a hovercraft gliding on water. It was during daytime that I both traveled to and returned from Pune so I couldn’t experience the magnificent view at dusk as is visible in the viral pic on the right.”

The Atal Setu, officially known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is a monumental infrastructure project inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12. Stretching over 21.8 kilometers, this engineering marvel connects the bustling metropolis of Mumbai with the burgeoning city of Navi Mumbai.

This bridge isn’t just about reducing travel time; it’s about forging vital connections and catalyzing economic growth. With a travel time cut down from two hours to a mere 20 minutes between Sewri and Nhava Sheva, the Atal Setu is a game-changer for daily commuters and businesses alike.

Featuring a 6-lane highway spanning 16.5 kilometers over the sea and 5.5 kilometers on land, the Atal Setu is a visual testament to Mumbai’s dynamism and progress. Its cable-stayed section gracefully stretches across the harbor, symbolizing the region’s ambition and potential.

The Atal Setu stands as a beacon of progress and ambition, promising a brighter future for Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. With its blend of engineering excellence and economic potential, it represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards prosperity and development. Soon, Mumbai’s public city bus service known as BEST, will start operating buses on Atal Setu. This should make the bridge accessible to not just car users but also those who use public transport. This service could greatly benefit those who want to save time but use public transport.

However, alongside its remarkable achievements, the Atal Setu also poses challenges. Concerns about high toll charges and accessibility for all must be addressed. Moreover, sustainability efforts need to be prioritized to ensure the bridge’s long-term environmental harmony.

The smooth black top and stunning views offered by the Atal Setu has attracted its fair share of visitors. Initially, the bridge became a picnic spot of sorts with hundreds of cars parked on the shoulder. Mumbai Police cracked down on these cars, and fined a few motorists. While the bridge has a speed limit, a rashly driven Maruti Ignis managed to clip the retaining wall. Click here to read about that incident.