Sudarshan Setu’s Inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Sudarshan Setu bridge, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. Spanning the Gulf of Kutch and connecting Dwarka mainland to Beyt Dwarka Island off the coast of Gujarat, this bridge stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to progress and connectivity.
Project Overview:
The Sudarshan Setu bridge, previously known as the Signature Bridge, was sanctioned in 2017 at an estimated cost of ₹979 crores. Over the course of six years, Larsen & Toubro executed the construction of this remarkable infrastructure project. The 2.32 km bridge includes a 900-meter central double-span cable-stayed portion and a 2.45 km long approach road.
Key Features:
- Length: At 2.32 kilometers, Sudarshan Setu is India’s longest cable-stayed road bridge, providing a vital link between the Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka Island.
- Unique Design Elements: The bridge features footpaths adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna, showcasing the cultural heritage of Dwarka. Solar panels installed on the footpaths contribute to sustainable energy generation.
- Enhanced Connectivity: By reducing the distance between old and new Dwarka by nearly 80 kilometers, the bridge significantly enhances connectivity for thousands of tourists and Hindu pilgrims visiting the ancient Dwarkadhish Temple.
Project Significance:
- Tourism and Economy: Sudarshan Setu is expected to emerge as a major tourist attraction, further bolstering the economy and tourism sector of the region. With approximately two million pilgrims visiting the temples in the area, the bridge addresses transportation challenges previously faced by pilgrims relying on limited daytime boat travel.
- Empowering Communities: The inauguration of Sudarshan Setu not only signifies infrastructure development but also empowers communities. It is estimated to benefit around 8,500 residents on Beyt Dwarka Island, facilitating easier access to essential services and opportunities.
Marine Safety Engineering Feat:
Given the vulnerable marine environment along India’s western seaboard, the Sudarshan Setu bridge deploys advanced wind tunnel-tested aerodynamic engineering to ensure stability against extreme climate events like cyclones, making the structure resilient.
Integration with Ro-Ro Ferry:
The design of the bridge facilitates synchronized operations with proposed roll-on-roll-off ferry routes, allowing smooth cross-gulf movement of people and cargo, integrating the mainland with Beyt Dwarka Island township.
Inauguration of AIIMS Campuses:
In addition to inaugurating Sudarshan Setu, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated Gujarat’s first All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rajkot. Alongside, he virtually inaugurated four other newly-built AIIMS in Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, emphasizing the government’s commitment to healthcare infrastructure development.
Final thought:
The inauguration of Sudarshan Setu marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism, and empowering communities. With its unique design elements, marine safety engineering feats, and integration with ferry routes, the bridge stands as a symbol of progress and inclusive development. As India continues to strive towards becoming a global powerhouse, infrastructure projects like Sudarshan Setu play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, connectivity, and cultural preservation.
FAQs
- What is the Sudarshan Setu bridge and where is it located?
- Sudarshan Setu is India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, located in Gujarat’s Dwarka. It connects the Okha mainland to Beyt Dwarka island.
- When was the Sudarshan Setu bridge inaugurated?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sudarshan Setu bridge on February 24th, 2024.
- What was the initial name of the bridge, and what is it called now?
- Initially known as the ‘Signature Bridge,’ it has been renamed ‘Sudarshan Setu’ or ‘Sudarshan Bridge.’
- What are the key features of the Sudarshan Setu bridge?
- The bridge spans 2.32 kilometers, has a width of 27.20 meters, four lanes, and 2.50-meter-wide footpaths on each side. It features solar panels on the footpaths and is adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna.
- What is the significance of the Sudarshan Setu bridge?
- The bridge significantly reduces travel time for devotees and tourists, enhances connectivity, and catalyzes the local economy.
- Who executed the construction of the Sudarshan Setu bridge?
- Larsen & Toubro executed the construction of the Sudarshan Setu bridge over six years.
- How much did the Sudarshan Setu bridge project cost?
- The project was sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹979 crores.
- How does the Sudarshan Setu bridge contribute to marine safety?
- The bridge deploys advanced wind tunnel tested aerodynamic engineering to ensure stability against extreme climate events like cyclones, making it resilient.
- What other infrastructure was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi along with the Sudarshan Setu bridge?
- Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated Gujarat’s first All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rajkot.
- What is the estimated number of pilgrims visiting the temples in the area?
- An estimated two million pilgrims visit the temples in the area.
- What is the length of the central double-span cable-stayed portion of the Sudarshan Setu bridge?
- The central double-span cable-stayed portion extends over 900 meters.
- How does the Sudarshan Setu bridge contribute to sustainable infrastructure?
- Solar panels installed on the footpath sides can generate one megawatt of electricity.
- What was the previous means of transport between Okha and Beyt Dwarka?
- Previously, pilgrims relied on boat transport to access Beyt Dwarka.
- How many AIIMS campuses were virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi?
- Prime Minister Modi virtually inaugurated five newly-built AIIMS campuses in Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat’s Rajkot.
- How does the Sudarshan Setu bridge benefit the communities on Beyt Dwarka island?
- The bridge facilitates easier access to essential services and opportunities for approximately 8,500 residents on Beyt Dwarka island.
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