In the aftermath of the inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a photograph surfaced on social media showing an auto rickshaw violating traffic restrictions on the newly inaugurated Atal Setu. The incident prompted users to question how the three-wheeler managed to breach the traffic rules on the bridge, leading to calls for action against the driver.
The photo, shared by user Saravanan Radhakrishnan on X, triggered a wave of reactions as people expressed astonishment at the audacity of the auto rickshaw driver. Many users tagged the Mumbai Police, urging them to take swift action against the violator. Some speculated on the route taken by the auto rickshaw, highlighting the presence of toll booths on both sides of the bridge and the prohibition of autos in certain areas.
Amidst the online discourse, one user humorously referred to the incident as “Auto Setu,” while another noted the warning on the back of the rickshaw, stating, “FIR Milenge” (Will get an FIR), as a potential forewarning.
The Mumbai Traffic Police had previously communicated the restrictions on the entry of specific vehicles, including auto rickshaws, on the MTHL through a post on X on January 11. Despite the regulations, instances of rule violations and disregard for safety were reported, with people littering and climbing railings for selfies, turning the Atal Setu into an unintended “picnic spot.”
Responding to the growing trend of rule violations, Mumbai Police issued a warning on social media, cautioning against stopping on the bridge for photographs. The police threatened strict action, including the filing of FIRs, for those disobeying the regulations.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, spanning 21.8 km, is India’s longest sea bridge, connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Raigad district. The newly inaugurated link aims to significantly reduce travel time between the two points from an hour and a half to approximately 20 minutes, contributing to enhanced connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Constructed at a cost of ₹17,840 crore, the bridge boasts six lanes, with 16.5 km of its length extending over the sea.
Sources By Agencies
