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Bridges have long been recognized as symbols of progress and development, playing a crucial role in connecting regions, promoting trade, and fostering economic growth. The condition of a country’s bridges often reflects the strength and advancement of its infrastructure. In India, iconic bridges span rivers, valleys, and urban areas, acting as vital lifelines for transportation and connectivity. From engineering wonders like the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, the longest bridge in India, each structure contributes significantly to the nation’s growth. Read on to discover how these remarkable bridges are shaping India’s infrastructure and future.
Throughout history, bridges have been built to overcome geographical barriers and link distant locations. Although modern engineering advancements have simplified bridge construction, building them over water or dense forests remains a complex challenge. Bridges are not only functional but also visually striking, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. India boasts some of the longest, tallest, and most impressive bridges, which continue to attract visitors from all over the world. In this article, we will focus on India’s longest above-water bridges, delving into their history, length, and construction dates while offering insight into the engineering achievements behind these extraordinary structures.
| S.no | Name of the Bridges | Length | Place |
| 1 | Dhola Sadia bridge | 9.15 Km | Bihar |
| 2 | Dibang River Bridge | 6.2 km | Arunachal Pradesh |
| 3 | The Mahatma Gandhi Satu | 5.75 km | Ganga Patna Bihar |
| 4 | The Bandra Worli Sea Link | 5.75 km | Mahim Bay Mumbai |
| 5 | Bogibeel bridge | 4.94 km | Brahmaputra Assam |
| 6 | The Vikramshila Setu | 4.70 km | Ganga Bhagalpur Bihar |
| 7 | Ganga Rail Road Bridge | 4.55 Km | Bihar |
| 8 | Godavari Bridge | 4.27 Km | Andhra Pradesh |
| 9 | Arrah Chhapra Bridge | 4.35 km | Bihar |
| 10 | Vembanad Bridge | 4.62 km | Kerala |
1. Dhola Sadiya Bridge
The Dhola Sadiya Bridge, also referred to as the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Bridge, spans the Brahmaputra River in Assam. At 9.15 kilometers, it is India’s longest bridge. This impressive structure links the regions of Dhola and Sadiya, significantly improving connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast. In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the bridge, marking a pivotal moment for regional transportation and trade. This engineering marvel has not only boosted connectivity but also played a key role in strengthening the economy of Assam and its neighboring states.
- Location: Assam
- Length: 9.15 km
- Details: This is India’s longest bridge, crossing the Brahmaputra River. It significantly improves connectivity in the northeastern region, connecting Assam to Arunachal Pradesh.
2. The Dibang River Bridge
The Dibang River Bridge, also called the Sikang Bridge, is the second-longest bridge in India, spanning 6.2 kilometers. Situated in Arunachal Pradesh, this vital bridge connects remote areas, playing a significant role in improving accessibility. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, particularly for the Indian Army, as it facilitates the rapid movement of personnel and supplies to the border with China. This remarkable structure not only boosts regional connectivity but also supports defense and infrastructure development.
- Location: Arunachal Pradesh
- Length: 6,200 Km (20,300 ft)
- Details: A 6.2-kilometer-long (20,300-ft) bridge links the villages of Bomjir and Malek. Primarily utilized by the Indian Army, it plays a key role in combating anti-national activities in the eastern sector and in countering threats from the Chinese Army.
3. The Mahatma Gandhi Setu
The Mahatma Gandhi Setu is the third-longest river bridge in India, stretching 5,750 meters across the Ganges River. It links Patna in the south to Hajipur in the north. Inaugurated in 1982 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, this bridge was once the longest in the world until the construction of the Dibang Bridge. In addition to its strategic significance, the Mahatma Gandhi Setu has become a popular tourist destination, showcasing impressive engineering and offering essential connectivity across the regions of Bihar.
- Location: Assam
- Length: 9.15 km
- Details: This is India’s longest bridge, crossing the Brahmaputra River. It significantly improves connectivity in the northeastern region, linking Assam to Arunachal Pradesh.
4. The Bandra Worli Sea Link
The Bandra Worli Sea Link, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, is the fourth-longest bridge over water in India, spanning 5.57 kilometers. This architectural wonder connects Worli in South Mumbai to Bandra in the Western Suburbs. A vital component of the proposed Western Freeway, the bridge has become a popular landmark in Mumbai. Visitors often drive across the sea link to appreciate its striking design and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
- Location: Maharashtra
- Length: 5.6 km
- Details: A cable-stayed bridge that links Mumbai’s suburbs to its central business districts, this iconic structure stands as a major landmark in Mumbai.
5. Bogibeel bridge
The Bogibeel Bridge is an impressive road-rail bridge that crosses the Brahmaputra River between the Assam districts of Dhemaji and Dibrugarh. At 4.94 kilometers, it ranks as the fifth-longest river bridge in India and holds the distinction of being the first train bridge in the country. This innovative structure is supported by steel beams designed to withstand earthquakes of up to 7 on the Richter scale, ensuring its safety and durability. The Bogibeel Bridge plays a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity, improving transportation options for both road and rail traffic.
- Location: Assam
- Length: 4.94 km
- Details: India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge, the Bogibeel Bridge, spans the Brahmaputra River and links the districts of Dibrugarh and Dhemaji.
6. The Vikramshila Setu
The Vikramshila Setu is the sixth-longest footbridge in India, stretching across the Ganges River near Bhagalpur in Bihar. Named after the ancient Vikramashila Mahavihara, established by King Dharmapala, this remarkable bridge spans 4.7 kilometers. It plays a crucial role in connecting Barari Ghat and Naugachia, improving transportation and accessibility in the region. The bridge not only facilitates travel but also reflects Bihar’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
- Location: Bhagalpur
- Length: 4.7 km
- Details: The Vikramshila Setu is the sixth-longest bridge in India, measuring 4.4 kilometers in length. This two-lane bridge connects NH 33 and NH 31, which run on opposite sides of the Ganga.
7. Ganga Rail Road Bridge
The Digha-Sonpur Bridge is an important railroad bridge that crosses the Ganga River, linking Digha Ghat with Pahleja Ghat in Sonpur. Often referred to as the Digha-Sonpur railroad bridge, this rail-cum-road bridge is the second-longest bridge in India, following the Bogibeel Bridge. It plays a vital role in improving regional transportation and connectivity, facilitating both rail and road traffic across the river.
- Location: Patna
- Length: 4.56 km
- Details: The river holds great importance for the people living in a large part of India through which it flows. However, its immense breadth poses a significant challenge to transport and commerce.
8. Godavari Bridge
The Godavari Bridge, also known as the Kovvur-Rajahmundry Bridge, is the third-longest railroad bridge in India. As the name indicates, it spans the Godavari River near Rajahmundry. The bridge has a road deck above a single rail track and includes four lanes, making it a vital route for both rail and road traffic. It is regarded as one of the iconic landmarks of Rajahmundry, representing the region’s connectivity and infrastructure development.
- Location: Andhra Pradesh
- Length: 3.75 km
- Details: This bridge crosses the Godavari River, connecting Kovvur and Rajahmundry and serving as a crucial link for transportation in Andhra Pradesh.
9. Sarah Chhapra Bridge
The Veer Kunwar Singh Setu, commonly known as the Arrah-Chhapra Bridge, is a significant bridge in India, stretching 4.35 kilometers. It connects the towns of Arrah and Chhapra over the Ganga River in Bihar. This bridge plays a crucial role in improving transportation and connectivity in the region, making it an essential infrastructure landmark.
- Location: Bihar
- Length: 4.35 km
- Details: The Veer Kunwar Singh Bridge links Arrah and Chhapra in Bihar, improving transportation and easing traffic congestion.
10. Vembanad Bridge
Located in Kochi, Kerala, the Vallarpadam Railway Bridge stretches 4.63 kilometers, making it the longest railway bridge in India. It connects Edappally and Vallarpadam, spanning Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India. This bridge is vital for improving rail connectivity in the region, supporting the movement of both goods and passengers.
- Location: Kerala
- Length: 4.62 km
- Details: This is the longest rail bridge in India, linking the towns of Edappally and Vallarpadam. It plays a key role in enhancing Kerala’s rail network.
Conclusion
India is home to some of the world’s longest and most impressive bridges, reflecting exceptional engineering and architectural achievements. These structures are crucial in enhancing transportation and connectivity across the country. From the Dhola Sadiya Bridge, the longest in India, connecting Assam, to the Vallarpadam Railway Bridge over Vembanad Lake, each bridge holds its unique importance and contributes to the nation’s infrastructure.
These bridges not only enable the movement of people and goods but also drive economic growth and development in their regions. As India continues to invest in its infrastructure, more incredible bridges are likely to emerge, connecting its diverse landscapes and communities. Whether for road or rail, these bridges represent a fusion of tradition and modernity, making them vital to India’s progress.
