Cracks on the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, commonly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), on its tar road exit towards Ulwe in Navi Mumbai, as alleged by Congress have brought forward the Blame-Game between Congress and BJP yet again. Where Congress accuses BJP of Corruption, and BJP alleges that they are being defamed.
What’s concerning is that the bridge is not even one year old, it's been only six months since the bridge was inaugurated by PM Modi. The construction quality of India's longest sea bridge has come under scrutiny.
Maharashtra Congress says, ‘Clearly a case of Corruption.’
Congress leaders, led by Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Nana Patole, inspected the site and claimed that minor cracks found on the approach road and the sinking of a portion of the road by a foot indicate poor construction quality.
He has accused the state government of corruption following the discovery of cracks on the newly inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. Moreover, Patole claimed that the road had sunk by a foot.
“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,” said Patole.
He emphasised that the bridge, named in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, should not be tarnished by such allegations of corruption.
He added, PM Modi is the leader of corruption. BJP coerces corrupt political leaders to join them, after putting the fear of ED and CBI in them.”
The Maharashtra Congress also took a dig at the BJP and said, "Rs 17,843 crores of public money sunk by Modi in the first rain."
BJP Responded, “Atal Setu is being Defamed”
Maharashtra BJP clarified by posting on X, “Stop defaming Atal Setu.”
"It is clear that the cracks in the road seen in the photo are not on the Atal Setu. Because these cracks were on the ground road leading to Atal Setu. The repair work has been started immediately and that work has also been completed," they added.
Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis also clarified, "There is no crack on Atal Setu, Nor is there any danger to Atal Setu.”
MMRDA’s Clarification ‘Repairs are going on’
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the authority responsible for the bridge’s construction, clarified that there were no cracks on the main part of the Atal Setu.
“During an inspection by the Operation & Maintenance team on June 20, minor cracks were found on the road surface at three locations on the ramp towards Mumbai. These cracks are minor and located along the edge of the road,” read an MMRDA statement.
“The cracks are not due to structural defects in the project and do not pose any threat to the structure of the bridge,” the MMRDA stated.“The contractor has already commenced the repair work, which will be completed within 24 hours. This work is being carried out without causing any disruption to traffic, the authorities added.
About the Bridge
In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, a 21.8 km-long sea bridge connecting south Mumbai with Nhava-Sheva in Navi Mumbai. Built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore, it is the longest sea bridge in India.
The bridge features an open road tolling system, with a toll of Rs 250 for passenger vehicles, and incorporates base isolation bearings to withstand earthquakes up to 6.5 on the Richter scale. This infrastructure project is expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
(Inputs from Agencies)
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