Maharashtra Government Clarifies: Footpath Not Part of Main Atal Setu Bridge
Background
The Maharashtra government has clarified that the footpath on the newly inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) is not part of the main bridge. This clarification comes after some confusion arose regarding the inclusion of the footpath in the overall length of the bridge.
Government Statement
According to the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD), the footpath is considered a separate structure from the main bridge. In a statement released on January 13, 2024, the PWD stated that the footpath is a "utility area" that is not included in the calculation of the bridge's length.
Bridge Specifications
The main bridge of the Atal Setu is approximately 27 kilometers long, making it the longest sea bridge in India. The bridge consists of eight lanes, including four lanes for cars and two lanes for heavy vehicles in each direction.
Footpath Details
The footpath on the Atal Setu is a separate concrete structure that runs alongside the main bridge. It is intended for pedestrian use and is not intended for vehicles. The footpath is approximately 1.5 meters wide and is separated from the main bridge by a concrete barrier.
Safety Concerns
The Maharashtra government has emphasized that the exclusion of the footpath from the main bridge is primarily due to safety concerns. According to the PWD, allowing pedestrians on the main bridge could pose potential safety risks due to the high volume of traffic.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra government's clarification regarding the footpath on the Atal Setu Bridge is important for understanding the true extent and capacity of the bridge. While the bridge is indeed the longest sea bridge in India, the footpath is not considered part of the main structure and is not included in the overall length calculations. This distinction is made primarily for safety reasons to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and vehicles using the bridge.
Komentar