The Maharashtra Cabinet, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved extending the toll concession for the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu for another year. This decision aims to provide relief to vehicle owners by maintaining the concessional toll rate of Rs 250 until December 31, 2026. Previously, the state Cabinet had decided to continue the concessional toll rate for one more year, which was set to expire on December 31, 2025.
Atal Setu, previously known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is a 21.8-km-long sea bridge connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, reducing travel time significantly. Since its inauguration on January 13, 2024, motorists have been paying a concessional toll of Rs 250, which is 50 per cent of the amount proposed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Following a review, the Cabinet’s recent decision ensures that this concessional toll will remain in effect until the end of 2026.
In addition to the toll concession extension, the Cabinet has approved the revised cost and government share for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project Phase-2 (MUTP-2). It has also waived charges for land in Ulwe allocated to Tirupati Devasthanam for the Padmavati Devi Temple. Furthermore, the Cabinet has cleared various structural and financial matters, including the establishment of the Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancements (MAHIMA) to facilitate employment opportunities abroad for the state’s youth.
The Cabinet has also given the green light for the construction of a multipurpose multi-modal hub and terminal market for farmers at Bapgaon in Thane district, aimed at enhancing vegetable export capabilities. Moreover, funds amounting to Rs 4,775 crore have been allocated for the Bembal River Project in Yavatmal district, which will bring irrigation benefits to a significant area. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the Mumbai Police Housing Township project, which will see the construction of 45,000 government residences for police officers and employees in Mumbai city and suburbs.
