Uran: Potholes have appeared on the Atal Setu, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, the country’s longest sea bridge, just 18 months after its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 22-kilometre bridge, spanning 16 kilometres over the sea and 5 kilometres on land, was constructed at a cost of around Rs 18,000 crore.

Commuters and motorists have expressed shock at the rapid deterioration, with reports suggesting lapses in construction quality. A penalty of Rs 20 lakh has reportedly been levied against the contractor responsible.

Maintenance workers confirmed that cold mix technology is currently being employed to repair potholes during the monsoon season, with hot mix repairs planned for the dry months.

The emergence of such damages on a vital infrastructure link connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai has triggered public demands for a thorough investigation into possible corruption and mismanagement. Experts warn that negligence in the upkeep and construction of such a prestigious project not only wastes public funds but also endangers commuter safety.

Authorities claim urgent rectification efforts are underway, but the incident has cast a shadow over the bridge’s durability and the accountability of project stakeholders.