Corruption Scandal Hits Atal Setu Bridge in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole has alleged corruption in the construction of the Atal Setu bridge connecting south Mumbai to Navi Mumbai. Patole claims poor construction quality and cracks posing a threat to lives. The ruling BJP and MMRDA refute these claims, stating that cracks were found only on the approach road, not the bridge itself.

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Friday leveled serious allegations of corruption in the construction of the Atal Setu bridge, connecting south Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, citing cracks that emerged months after its inauguration and endangering lives.

Patole, who conducted an inspection, criticized the bridge's construction quality, claiming that a section of the road had caved in by a foot. However, the ruling BJP and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) countered these accusations. They clarified that the detected cracks were on the approach road emanating from Ulwe in Navi Mumbai, not on the bridge itself.

Named the 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu,' the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) was opened in January at a staggering Rs 17,840 crore cost. The MMRDA emphasized that minor longitudinal cracks found on the asphalt pavement would be swiftly repaired without affecting the road's longevity or performance.