Report by Paridhi Agarwal
Sudarshan Setu, Okha–Beyt Dwarka Signature Setu was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th February 2024. The foundation stone for the bridge was in October 2017 and the construction ended in December 2023. It is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the country with a length of 2.32 km. The bridge connects the Okha mainland to Beyt Dwarka island near the city of Dwarka in Gujarat and crosses the Gulf of Kutch and the Arabian Sea. The bridge has been constructed by the SP Singla Construction company at a cost of around 980 crores. This bridge will make travel easier by shortening the amount of time it takes for devotees to go to Beyt-Dwarka. Till now pilgrims had to depend on boat ways to go to Beyt Dwarka.
Architectural features
The total width of the bridge is 2.72 meters, consisting of four lanes and 2.5-meter-wide footpaths on either side. On the upper sections of the walkway, solar panels have been installed, producing one megawatt of electricity. It has a 900-meter-long central cable segment and is supported by 32 piers.
Design features
Sudarshan Setu has a distinctive design, with pictures of Lord Krishna and lines from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita decorating the walkway on both sides. This famous bridge will also be one of Devbhumi Dwarka’s main tourist attractions.
About cable-stayed bridges in India
Here are the top 5 longest cable-stayed bridges in India-
1. Bandra-Worli Sea link, Mumbai
In less than ten minutes, this bridge links Worli in South Mumbai with Bandra in Western Suburbs. It was first opened in 2009 and is resistant to earthquakes of up to 7 on the Richter scale. The bridge was built for 1,634 crores. Its length is 5.6 km making it the longest cable bridge in India.
2. Atal Setu, Goa
This bridge spans the Mandovi River and connects Panaji to Porvorim. It is also known as the Third Mandovi Bridge. Ferry services used to be available for travel between these locations, but as of 2019, the duration of the trip has been shortened. Its length is 5.1 km.
3. Sudarshan Setu, Gujarat
4. Kota Chambal Bridge, Rajasthan
It spans the Chambal River in Rajasthan as a portion of the Kota Bypass. It was inaugurated in 2017 by PM Modi. This project was built with a cost of 214 crores. The bridge provides amazing views because it is situated 60 meters above the Chambal River. Its length is 1.5 km
5. Vidyasagar Setu, Kolkata
Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in India. It is built over the Hooghly River, connecting Howrah with Kolkata. It was inaugurated in 1992 and was built with a cost of 388 crores. Its length is 823 meters.
Image credit: Posted on X by official account of Narendra Modi