The Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole visited the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Seva Atal Setu in Navi Mumbai to inspect cracks that have appeared on the bridge. The bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, has been used by more than 70,000 vehicles daily. The inspection by the Congress chief is seen as a political move, as the state gears up for upcoming elections. The development comes amid other controversies surrounding Patole and the Congress party.
Atal Setu: A Bridge Amid Political Turmoil
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Seva Atal Setu, commonly known as Atal Setu, has become a focal point of controversy in Mumbai. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, the bridge has been used by a massive number of vehicles daily. However, recent cracks discovered on the structure have raised concerns and sparked political maneuvering.
Background
Atal Setu is a 2.7-kilometer-long cable-stayed bridge connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava in Navi Mumbai. The bridge was constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) at a cost of Rs. 1,714 crore. It was touted as a major infrastructure project aimed at decongesting the city's traffic.
Cracks and Political Play
In mid-October 2023, cracks were discovered on several piers of Atal Setu. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole visited the bridge to inspect the damage, sparking a political debate. Patole alleged that the cracks were a result of poor construction and that the bridge posed a safety hazard.
The BJP, however, dismissed Patole's claims as politically motivated and accused the Congress of trying to malign the government. The MMRDA responded by stating that the cracks were minor and would be repaired soon.
Past Controversies
Atal Setu has been embroiled in controversy since its inception. In 2022, the project faced criticism when it was revealed that the original cost estimate had been significantly underestimated. The bridge was also delayed by several years due to various factors, including land acquisition issues and construction delays.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What are the concerns about the cracks on Atal Setu? A: The cracks raise concerns about the structural integrity of the bridge and its safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
Q2: What caused the cracks on the bridge? A: The exact cause is still being investigated, but factors such as poor construction, inadequate maintenance, or soil conditions could have contributed.
Q3: Is Atal Setu safe to use? A: According to the MMRDA, the cracks are minor and do not pose an immediate safety hazard. However, further inspections and repairs are underway.
Q4: What are the political implications of the Atal Setu controversy? A: The controversy has become a political football, with the Congress accusing the BJP of negligence and the BJP dismissing the allegations as baseless.
Q5: What is the future of the bridge? A: The MMRDA has assured that the bridge will be repaired and made safe for use. However, the political fallout from the controversy is likely to continue.
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