Prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated ‘Atal Setu’, India’s longest sea bridge, in Mumbai, making it easier for thousands of commuters to commute between two parts of the mega city.

Built at a cost of Rs 17,800 crore, the 21.8-km bridge joins Sewri in south Mumbai with Nhava Sheva across the harbour in Navi Mumbai. Developed as a trans-harbour link, it will ensure seamless connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

The PM said he was delighted to inaugurate Atal Setu, terming it “a significant step forward in enhancing the ‘Ease of Living’ for our citizens”. He said, “This bridge promises to reduce travel time and boost connectivity, making daily commutes smoother.”

Modi was accompanied on the occasion by Maharashtra governor Ramesh Bais, chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Later he also walked a part of the bridge and posed for photos with some of the labourers who built the bridge.

The PM’s vision is to improve the ‘ease of mobility’ of citizens by strengthening urban transport infrastructure and connectivity. In line with this vision, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’ has been built. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by Modi in December 2016.