Atal Setu Sees 700% Surge in Heavy Vehicle Traffic, Car Use Up Just 31%

Since its inauguration in January, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu has experienced a remarkable increase in heavy vehicle traffic, with trucks and buses rising by over 700% from January to August. In contrast, the rise in private car usage was a modest 31%, according to data from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request by resident Jeetendra Ghadge.

Overall vehicle numbers on the bridge increased from 5.20 lakh in January to over 7.25 lakh in August, despite occasional declines in traffic during April and July. The monthly total still falls short of MMRDA's projection of 11.79 lakh vehicles, or approximately 39,300 vehicles daily, significantly below the bridge's designed capacity of 70,000 vehicles per day.

Ghadge noted that while heavy vehicles account for a substantial increase in traffic, they represent only about 7% of the total, with passenger cars making up the majority at around 93%. He pointed out that many private vehicle owners are opting not to use the bridge due to high toll rates and limited connectivity to major routes like the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.

“The ₹250 toll per car is considered steep for middle-class commuters traveling from Navi Mumbai to south Mumbai, leading them to seek alternative routes,” Ghadge explained. “It appears that the bridge primarily benefits affluent drivers.”

As traffic patterns continue to evolve, concerns about accessibility and affordability for average commuters remain significant.