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The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has imposed a fine of ₹1 crore on a contractor after a video went viral showing superficial damage to the newly opened Atal Setu. The Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, officially known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024.
Built at a cost of ₹17,840 crore, the 21.8-kilometer-long bridge is India’s longest sea bridge and the 12th longest in the world. A video showing superficial damage to the newly opened Atal Setu went viral, prompting the MMRDA to take action.
Congress Targets BJP
The Maharashtra Congress also targeted the BJP by posting a viral video of potholes on the Atal Setu on its Instagram account. The video shared a photo and video: the first was taken when PM Modi inaugurated the bridge, and the second was a viral video of potholes and temporary patching on the Atal Setu, taken by a citizen.
MMRDA Statement
On Friday, under the direction of Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner and Project Incharge Vikram Kumar conducted a comprehensive inspection of the 22-kilometer-long Atal Setu (both up and down carriageways).
During the inspection, the MMRDA team confirmed that only a limited 2-kilometer stretch of the Navi Mumbai-bound carriageway (between Km 14 and Km 16) had minor surface damage in a few patches. This was attributed to extreme weather conditions during the monsoon season and heavy traffic.
Action Against Contractor
The MMRDA team has directed the contractor for this project to complete the resurfacing of the affected portion within five days. It was made clear that if the work is not completed within the stipulated time, further action will be taken against the contractor. As part of the enforcement measures already taken, a fine of ₹1 crore has been imposed on the contractor. His Defect Liability Period (DLP), which was to expire in January 2026, has been extended by one year.
Committed to strict monitoring
After the monsoon, the entire road will be permanently reconstructed and resurfaced using dense bituminous macadam (DBM) and asphalt concrete (AC), at the contractor’s own expense. The MMRDA team reiterated that the Atal Setu is structurally sound and safe and assured citizens that the MMRDA is committed to prompt action and strict monitoring to maintain the quality and reliability of this important project.
