In a video doing the rounds on social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, disheartening visuals are seen as the newly inaugurated Atal Setu witnessed a disturbing display of rule-breaking and irresponsibility.
The video, posted by several eminent personalities and platforms like Mumbai Matters and Advocate Ishkaran Bhandari shows how the bridge, intended for smooth transportation, turned into an impromptu picnic spot as crowds flocked to experience driving on it. Shockingly, some individuals also resorted to littering, with images showing garbage on the bridge’s sides.
In just 12 hours on Saturday, nearly 9,000 vehicles traversed the sea link, as reported by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. This surge in traffic, which also resulted in a poor show of public conduct has left the world of social media apalled.
Users flocked to the comments section and expressing their dismay, urged authorities to take stern action against the offenders. Some proposed imposing hefty fines, emphasizing the need to respect public infrastructure while one user highlighted the presence of CCTV cameras along the entire stretch, suggesting that culprits be exposed and held accountable.
Constructed at a cost of ₹17,840 crore, the MTHL boasts six lanes, with 16.5 km of the bridge spanning over the sea, significantly reducing travel time between Sewri and Nhava Sheva from an hour and a half to a mere 20 minutes. While celebrating this engineering feat, it is equally crucial to foster a sense of responsibility and respect among citizens for the proper utilization of public infrastructure.
Spotted the First few Pan Gutkha Stains on #MTHL#AtalSetu#BoloZubanKesari pic.twitter.com/M0jdBKzUUa
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024
Zero civic sense, Atal Setu is not an picnic spot nor a Selfie Point.
It’s dangerous to life to stop cars haphazardly on expressway.
“Rich” people doing this.
Police flying squad should impound stopped cars & put 50,000 rs cost.pic.twitter.com/EhvIf8FO3V
— Ishkaran Singh Bhandari (@ishkarnBHANDARI) January 14, 2024
