Bridges play a crucial role in infrastructure development, providing vital connections over physical obstacles. In India, the extensive river network has prompted the construction of numerous bridges, making them an essential part of the country’s infrastructure. This article delves into the significance of India’s bridge projects, along with Bhupen Hazarika Bridge also known as Dhola Sadiya Bridge in Assam, is the longest bridge in India.
Which is India’s Longest Bridge
The Bhupen Hazarika Bridge which is also known as Dhola Sadiya Bridge in Assam, is the longest bridge in India. A bridge is a structure which allows uninterrupted passage over bodies of water, valleys, etc. India, is a land abundant with rivers, mountains, valleys, has undertaken numerous bridge constructions to conquer the challenges posed by nature and humans alike.
Within the country, India boasts exceptional bridges, along with an extensive number of railway bridges. These bridges are widely acknowledged as vital elements of our nation’s infrastructure.
Overview of Bridges in India
India has a wide variety of bridges. Some of the most common types of bridges in India include:
- Beam bridges: Beam bridges are the simplest type of bridge. They consist of a beam that spans an obstacle.
- Arch bridges: Arch bridges are supported by curved arches. They are very strong and can support a lot of weight.
- Suspension bridges: Suspension bridges are supported by cables that are anchored in the ground. They are very long and can span large distances.
Top 10 Longest Bridges in India
Here we present the important facts about the Longest Bridge In India including their total length, construction year, type, and location. Here is the list of the 10 longest bridges in India:
| Rank | Name | Distance (km) | Opened in | Type | Connecting | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhola Sadiya Bridge ( Bhupen Hazarika Bridge) | 9.15 | 2017 | Road | Assam and Arunachal Pradesh | Tinsukia, Assam |
| 2 | Dibang River Bridge | 6.2 | 2018 | Road | Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts, Arunachal Pradesh | Roing, Arunachal Pradesh |
| 3 | Mahatma Gandhi Setu | 5.75 | 1989 | Road | Patna and Hajipur, Bihar | Patna, Bihar |
| 4 | Bandra-Worli Sea Link | 5.57 | 2009 | Road | Mumbai and Worli, Maharashtra | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| 5 | Bogibeel Bridge | 4.94 | 2016 | Road and rail | Dhemaji and Dibrugarh districts, Assam | Dhemaji, Assam |
| 6 | Vikramshila Setu | 4.7 | 1997 | Road | Bhagalpur and Nalanda districts, Bihar | Bhagalpur, Bihar |
| 7 | Vembanad Rail Bridge | 4.62 | 1997 | Rail | Alappuzha and Kollam districts, Kerala | Alappuzha, Kerala |
| 8 | Digha Sonpur Bridge | 4.55 | 1982 | Road | Bhagalpur and Patna districts, Bihar | Bhagalpur, Bihar |
| 9 | Arrah Chhapra Bridge | 4.35 | 1965 | Road | Arrah and Chhapra districts, Bihar | Arrah, Bihar |
| 10 | Godavari Bridge | 4.13 | 2015 | Rail cum Road | Kovvur to Rajahmundry | Godavari River, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh |
Details of Top 10 Longest Bridge in India
Here are the details of the top 10 longest bridges in India:
Bhupen Hazarika Bridge or Dhola Sadiya Bridge
The Dhola Sadiya Bridge holds the title of being the longest bridge in India. It is a beam bridge, known for its simplicity in design.
- This impressive bridge connects the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, promoting seamless connectivity between them and is 9.15kms long.
- The construction of this bridge spanned over 6 years and completed in 2017
- With a length of 164.8 kilometers, the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge holds the record as the longest bridge globally.
Dibang River Bridge
The Dibang River Bridge takes pride as the second longest river bridge in India. It serves as a beam bridge, bridging the gap between Bomjir and Malek villages.
- Covering a total length of 6,200 meters (20,300 ft), this bridge ensures all-weather connectivity in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh.
- The bridge was inaugurated in 2018 and extends across the Sikang river system.
- Its strategic significance lies in its contribution to strengthening the defense capabilities against anti-national activities and potential threats from the Chinese military in the border regions.
Mahatma Gandhi Setu
The engineering marvel known as Mahatma Gandhi Setu stands as the third largest bridge in India. It was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and spans across the Ganga River.
- Construction on this bridge commenced in 1972 and was completed in 1978, with an initial cost of Rs. 23.50 crore.
- With a total length of 5,750 meters, it connects Patna in the south to Hajipur in the north.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL)
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, a magnificent and renowned bridge, is considered a gem among Indian bridges. It connects Mumbai’s Bandra suburb to Worli.
- The bridge has significantly reduced travel time, allowing commuters to reach their destination in just 10 minutes compared to the previous 60 minutes.
- With an overall construction cost of Rs. 750 crore, it is recognized as one of India’s most expensive bridges.
- Stretching across a length of 5.6 kilometers, this bridge has become a popular attraction for both travelers and locals.
Bogibeel Bridge
The Bogibeel Bridge claims its position as the fifth longest bridge in India. It provides a vital connection between the districts of Dibrugarh and Dhemaji, spanning the Brahmaputra river.
- This bridge plays a crucial role in ensuring connectivity throughout upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Featuring a 3-lane roadway on the upper deck and a 2-line broad gauge railway on the lower deck, it belongs to the truss bridge category, known for its cost-effectiveness in construction and maintenance.
- Its total length extends to 4.94 kilometers.
Vikramshila Setu
With a length of 4.7 kilometers, the Vikramshila Setu secures its place as the sixth largest bridge in India. It connects NH80 and NH31, offering connectivity to Naugachia, Purnia, and Kathiar in Bihar.
- The Vikramshila Setu serves as a bridge across the Ganges, near Bhagalpur.
- Its name pays homage to the ancient Mahavihara of Vikramashila, established by King Dharmapala.
- The bridge was opened to the public in 2001 and caters to two-way daily traffic.
Vembanad Rail Bridge
The Vembanad Rail Bridge, also known as the Edappally-Vallarpadam Bridge, proudly claims the seventh spot among the longest bridges in India. It connects these two areas, with a total length of 4.62 kilometers.
- This picturesque bridge is built over the serene Vembanad Lake and serves as Kerala’s largest bridge.
- It was opened to the public in 2011, serving as an essential link for Vallarpadam, a Catholic pilgrimage center, and an international transshipment terminal that boosts trade.
Digha–Sonpur Bridge
The Digha–Sonpur Bridge secures its place as the eighth largest bridge in India. It is a rail-cum-road bridge connecting Digha Ghat in Patna and Pahleja Ghat in Sonpur, Saran district, Bihar.
- Extending over a length of 4.55 kilometers, this bridge serves as a crucial transportation link in the region.
- The bridge was constructed in 2003, facilitating improved connectivity between the two locations.
Arrah–Chhapra Bridge
The Arrah–Chhapra Bridge, also known as the Veer Kunwar Singh Bridge, stands as the ninth longest bridge in India. It serves as a four-lane road bridge connecting Arrah and Chapra cities in Bihar.
- This bridge significantly reduces the traveling distance from 120 kilometers to just 21 kilometers.
- Its construction cost exceeded 800 crores, showcasing the importance and investment put into its development.
- Stretching over a distance of 4.65 kilometers, the bridge was opened in 2017.
Godavari Bridge
The Godavari Bridge claims the tenth spot among the largest bridges in India and is one of three bridges constructed across the Godavari river. The total length of this bridge is 4.1 kilometers.
- Serving as both a rail and road bridge, it is located in Dibrugarh district, Assam.
- The bridge was opened in 1974 and features two lanes for road traffic and a single railway line.
Construction of Longest Bridge in India
The construction of the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge was a major engineering feat. The bridge was built in a remote area and had to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the region. The bridge was also built on a floodplain, which made the construction even more challenging.
The Bhupen Hazarika Bridge is a marvel of engineering. It is a testament to the skill and dedication of the engineers who built it. The bridge is a symbol of India’s progress and its commitment to infrastructure development.
Interesting Facts about Longest Bridge in India
The Bhupen Hazarika Bridge is a major infrastructure in India. It is a symbol of the country’s progress and its commitment to infrastructure development. The bridge has had a significant impact on the region. It has improved connectivity, boosted economic development, and increased tourism.
Here are some interesting facts about the longest bridge in India, Bhupen Hazarika Bridge which is also known as Dhola Sadiya Bridge.
- Name and Alias: The bridge is officially named Bhupen Hazarika Setu after the legendary Assamese singer, musician, and filmmaker Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. It is also widely known as the Dhola Sadiya Bridge.
- Location: The Bhupen Hazarika Setu spans the Brahmaputra River in the northeastern state of Assam, connecting the towns of Dhola and Sadiya.
- Length: Total length of approximately 9.15 kilometers, it is the longest bridge in India. The bridge provides a crucial transportation link in the region.
- Construction: The construction of the bridge commenced in 2011 and was completed in 2017, taking around six years to finish.
- Design: Bhupen Hazarika Setu is an strong bridge, characterized by its distinctive design featuring pylons and cables supporting the deck.
- Connectivity and Economic Impact: The bridge improved connectivity between the towns of Dhola and Sadiya and facilitating smoother movement of goods, services, and people between
- Strategic Significance: It aids in the movement of military personnel and equipment, bolstering security in the region in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Impact on Travel: The bridge has reduced travel distance and time, replacing the earlier reliance on ferry services.
- Resilience: Designed to withstand high-intensity earthquakes and strong river currents.
Comparison of longest bridge in India
The Bhupen Hazarika Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world. It is only surpassed by a few bridges in China and the United States. The bridge is a major engineering feat and is a testament to the skill and dedication of the engineers who built it.
The Bhupen Hazarika Bridge is unique in a number of ways. It is the longest bridge in India over water. It is also the first bridge to be built in the region. The bridge has a number of innovative features, including a special design that allows it to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the region.
Future Bridge Projects in India
India has a number of upcoming bridge projects. The government is committed to bridge development and connectivity initiatives. The government has plans to build a number of new bridges in the coming years.
Some of the major upcoming bridge projects in India include:
- The Chenab River Railway Bridge: This bridge will be part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project. The bridge will be 1.3 kilometers long and will be the highest railway bridge in the world.
- The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL): This bridge will connect Mumbai Island with Navi Mumbai. The bridge will be 22 kilometers long and will be the longest sea bridge in India.
- The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: This expressway will connect Delhi and Mumbai. The expressway will be 1,380 kilometers long and will be the longest expressway in India.
- The Inland Waterways Development: This project will involve the development of inland waterways in India. The project will involve the construction of a number of bridges and other infrastructure to support inland waterways transportation.
- The Kochi Water Metro: This project will involve the construction of a water metro system in Kochi. The water metro system will consist of a fleet of water buses that will connect different parts of Kochi.
These are just a few of the major upcoming bridge projects in India. The government is committed to bridge development and connectivity initiatives, and these projects will help to improve connectivity and boost economic development in India.
India boasts several remarkable and significant bridges, each contributing to the country’s infrastructure and connectivity. From the impressive Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola Sadiya Bridge) spanning the mighty Brahmaputra River to the historic Old Yamuna Bridge in Allahabad, these structures serve as engineering marvels and symbols of progress.
The Bogibeel Bridge stands tall as India’s longest railway bridge, providing crucial connectivity to districts in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, the Vembanad Rail Bridge in Kerala and the Dibang River Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh showcase the diverse geographical locations where these engineering feats are accomplished.
With ongoing development projects and a focus on enhancing connectivity, India continues to push boundaries in bridge construction. These long-span bridges not only facilitate transportation but also contribute to economic growth, cultural exchange, and improved accessibility for people across the nation. As India forges ahead, these remarkable bridges stand as testaments to the nation’s engineering prowess and determination to overcome geographical challenges.