Repair work by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is underway on the approach road connecting Atal Setu in Mumbai. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole inspected the cracks spotted on the Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and alleged that these cracks resulted from corruption.

"Sometimes people exaggerate things. The cracks are developed on the approach road and they are minor. There are no traffic disturbances due to these cracks... barricades have been placed where repair work is being done for the safety of the public and workers," Patole stated.

"The work to attend the cracks is underway. By evening, both ways will be opened to the public," added MMRDA's spokesperson Gantra. He further informed that the cracks have developed on the extended road of ramps 3 and 5, which are unapproachable.

MMRDA clarified on Friday that minor cracks were found on the approach road connecting Atal Setu in Ulwe, emphasizing that these are not part of the main bridge but a service road connecting it. They assured that the cracks do not pose any structural threat.

"During the inspection on 20th June 2024 by the Operation and Maintenance Team of the project, minor cracks were noticed at three places on Ramp No. 5 asphalt from Ulwe towards Mumbai which require immediate repair. M/s Strabag, the contractor of Package 4 of the Atal Setu project, has started the repair work in the said area and the work will be completed within 24 hours without any disruption to the traffic on the bridge," read an official statement from MMRDA.

The agency also took to social media to dispel rumors about the bridge's integrity, stating, "There have been rumours circulating about cracks on the MTHL bridge. We want to clarify that these cracks are not on the bridge itself but on the approach road connecting MTHL from Ulwe towards Mumbai."

After his inspection, Patole addressed the media, alleging corruption within the government led to the cracks. "This road was inaugurated by PM Modi recently. Around half a kilometre of road has sustained one-foot-deep cracks in it, which indicates the level of corruption in this government. They are not even worried about the public," he claimed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, India's longest bridge, on January 12, 2024. The bridge provides faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, reducing travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa, and South India.