Inaugurating Atal Setu in Mumbai, PM Modi takes political dig at Opposition

PM Modi addresses the crowd at the Navi Mumbai Airport site. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the Opposition, hailing the rate at which mega projects were being completed ever since he came to power, after inaugurating the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), India's longest sea bridge, on Friday. He also performed the ground-breaking ceremony for a few other major infrastructure projects.

After inaugurating the long-awaited bridge, the PM travelled via it to Navi Mumbai where a massive public gathering was organised at the Navi Mumbai International Airport site. Thousands of Modi supporters had gathered at the venue to hear the leader speak.

Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, apart from other dignitaries, were present.

‘A historic day'

Calling January 12 a historic day, Modi said the 22-km-long MTHL would help facilitate the overall development of the entire area. "Today is a historic day for the country. India has got its longest sea bridge," he said.

PM Narendra Modi, flanked by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, at the site of the Navi Mumbai International Airport on Friday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The PM also praised those involved in the construction of the structure, built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore, as the work was completed at a fast pace despite the COVID-19 pandemic. "The MTHL will help in the development of the area and not only will it save time but also bring Pune and Navi Mumbai closer," said Modi.

He added that in the past 10 years, India had changed. "Ten years ago, you used to hear about several scams but now you hear talk of development. Compared to 10 years ago, the projects are being completed on time," the PM said.

Citing the example of the Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL), the PM said that the previous government had taken ten years to construct the structure whereas the MTHL, which is far longer than the BWSL, came up in less time.

The PM also pointed out that his government had seen to it that the budget for infrastructure projects was higher than the amount that had been set aside by the previous government.

Shinde, speaking on the occasion, said without mentioning names said projects were being completed on time unlike before when others were in power
in Maharashtra.

The chief minister added that in the coming Lok Sabha election, the BJP would win more than 400 seats while in Maharashtra, the alliance would get more than 45.

22km
Length of the MTHL

Rs 17,840cr
Cost of MTHL construction