Atal Setu records 15 suicide incidents since opening; Maharashtra govt to enhance safety measures

Maharashtra to install more safety barriers on Atal Setu. File Pic

Less than two-and-a-half years after it was opened to the public on January 13, 2024, the iconic Atal Setu has witnessed 15 cases of suicide or attempted suicide, claiming 12 lives so far, the Maharashtra government informed the legislative council on Monday.

Replying to a Calling Attention Motion, Industries Minister Uday Samant said that four of the 12 victims' bodies have not yet been recovered. He also announced that the government will form a committee to study the issue and recommend measures to prevent further loss of life, news reported PTI.

Timeline of cases reported over past two years

• 2024: Six incidents of people jumping from the bridge were reported. Four died, while two were rescued. Of the four fatalities, two bodies could not be found.
• 2025: Another six incidents were reported. Five people died and one person was rescued.
• 2026: So far three more cases have been reported, all of which were fatal. Bodies of two victims are yet to be recovered, as per the news agency.

Government to increase safety measures

The minister said the government has decided to set up a committee under a senior police officer to examine the issue and suggest preventive measures.

"Some portion of the sea bridge needs to be barricaded," Samant said, acknowledging that certain sections require additional protection and informed that instructions had been issued to immediately do so.

He also said that, based on technical feasibility and road safety requirements, the government is working on installing safety nets and other protective measures wherever necessary on the bridge.

Existing safety features on the bridge

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivdi-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), is India's longest sea bridge. It stretches 21.8 km, including about 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land, with three lanes in each direction.

After over two years, by June 25, 2026, around 2.39 crore vehicle trips had been recorded on the bridge. The already existing safety features are:

• Protective barriers: Out of the bridge's 33 km total carriageway length (both directions combined), 29.6 km is covered with noise barriers, view barriers and protective grills, limiting access to the sea and reducing visibility of the water.
• Emergency call boxes (ECBs): The bridge has six ECBs installed at different locations, directly connected to the control room for immediate assistance.
• 24x7 surveillance: The entire bridge is monitored round the clock through CCTV cameras, backed by a central control room, regular patrol teams and a rapid emergency response system.

(With PTI inputs)