Versova–Bandra sea link is now Veer Savarkar Setu, Trans Harbour Link named after Vajpayee

The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has approved the renaming of two major infrastructure projects in Mumbai.

The Versova–Bandra Sea Link will now be called Veer Savarkar Setu, while the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link has been renamed Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smruti Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The decision to rename these landmarks is seen as an effort to appeal to voters ahead of the upcoming local body polls and assembly elections scheduled for next year.

The renaming announcement by the Maharashtra government has generated mixed reactions on Twitter, with some finding the new names amusing. One Twitter user jokingly remarked that the name of the Trans Harbour Link is as long as the bridge itself. Another user speculated that if the Congress party were to come to power, the bridge would be renamed after Shivaji, and no one would be able to oppose it. Some Twitter users humorously suggested that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray would not oppose the renaming.

The Versova–Bandra Sea Link, spanning 5.6 kilometers and featuring eight lanes, connects Bandra with Worli. Initially named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, it is now known as Veer Savarkar Setu. The bridge is the fourth longest in the country, following Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Dibang River Bridge, and Mahatma Gandhi Setu. It is the longest sea bridge in India. Since its inauguration in March 2010, the bridge has significantly reduced travel time between Bandra and Worli to just 10 minutes.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, also called the Sewri–Nhava Sheva Trans Harbour Link, is a 21.8-kilometer, six-lane project that connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. It has been renamed Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smruti Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in honor of the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The renaming of these prominent infrastructure projects is expected to have an impact on the political landscape, with the Maharashtra government aiming to garner support and create a favorable impression among voters in the lead-up to the local body polls and assembly elections.