India’s second longest cable-stayed sigandur bridge in Karnataka

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for nine National Highway (NH) projects in Karnataka, spanning a total length of 88 kilometres and involving an investment of over ₹2,000 crore. The event took place in Sagara Town, Shivamogga district, and was graced by the presence of Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi Ji, former Chief Minister Shri B.S. Yediyurappa Ji, along with local

MPs, MLAs, and senior government officials.

One of the most significant milestones of the event was the inauguration of the Sharavathi Bridge, which will greatly enhance connectivity between the Malnad (hilly region) and coastal areas of Karnataka. This bridge not only reduces travel time but also provides easier access to prominent pilgrimage centres such as the Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple and the Kollur Mookambika Temple, two sacred sites attracting thousands of devotees annually.

Particularly noteworthy is the newly inaugurated Sigandur cable-stayed bridge,

which is now India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge, spanning 2.44 kilometres with a width of 16 meters. Constructed at a cost of over ₹470 crore, it connects Sagara to Marakutika across the Sharavathi backwaters. The project is not just a modern engineering marvel but a historical reconnection for the region—villages in Sagar taluk lost road access after the construction of the Linganamakki dam in the 1960s. In recognition of its cultural significance, the bridge has been named after Goddess Chowdeshwari Devi.

Several other infrastructure projects were highlighted during the event. The widening of the 47-kilometre-long Bidar–Humnabad section of NH-367 is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the Kalaburagi and Bidar districts, improving regional trade and daily commuting. Additionally, restoration work on the Shiradi Ghat stretch of NH-75—a crucial corridor connecting Mangaluru and Bengaluru—is set to ensure safe and uninterrupted travel, especially during the challenging monsoon season, when landslides and road blockages are common.

Further enhancements include the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Shahabad and a bridge over the Kagina River on NH-50, which will facilitate smooth connectivity between Kalaburagi and Raichur. Improvements to road safety measures along the Bengaluru–Mysuru Access-Controlled Expressway will also make travel between Karnataka and Kerala faster, safer, and more fuel-efficient, ultimately cutting travel time and reducing vehicle emissions.

Shri Gadkari also shared broader insights into Karnataka’s growing infrastructure. Since 2014, the length of National Highways in the state has increased from 6,707 km to 9,424 km. Looking ahead, he revealed that road projects worth ₹5 lakh crore will be completed in Karnataka by the end of the Central Government's current tenure. Major upcoming projects include:

• Belagavi–Hungund–Raichur corridor, which will reduce travel time from six hours to just 2.5 hours, to be completed by 2027.

• Hassan–Raichur highway expansion, slated for completion by December 2028.

• Tumkuru–Shivamogga lane expansion, expected by the end of this year.

• Mysuru–Madikeri four-laning and Chitradurga–Shivamogga road upgrades, scheduled for completion next year.

At the national level, Shri Gadkari highlighted several transformational infrastructure developments. The Ladakh–Leh road, which passes through the Zojila Tunnel—one of the highest and most difficult tunnel projects in the Himalayas—is expected to be inaugurated next year. Similarly, the Surat–Chennai Economic Corridor, traversing six states, is on track to be completed within a year. This corridor will reduce the distance to Bengaluru by 280 km and to Chennai by 320 km, promoting regional economic integration.

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway will be completed in six months, reducing travel time between these two major cities from eight hours to just two hours—a leap in both logistics efficiency and passenger convenience.

Comparing with India’s Longest: Sudarshan Setu in Gujarat

• While the Sigandur bridge is a landmark for Karnataka, India’s longest cable-stayed bridge was inaugurated, in February 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat—the Sudarshan Setu, also known as the Signature Bridge. Located in the Gulf of Kutch, it connects the mainland at Okha with the sacred island of Bet Dwarka in Devbhumi Dwarka district.

• This stunning infrastructure spans a total of 4,772 metres, including a 900-metre-long cable-stayed section, making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in India to date. Constructed as part of National Highway 51, the four-lane bridge was built at a cost of ₹978 crore, funded by the Union Government.

• Sudarshan Setu is also Gujarat’s first sea-link, replacing the ferry boat system that was previously the only mode of transport between Bet Dwarka and the mainland. The bridge features 32 piers supporting seven cable-stayed spans, and has 27-meter-wide carriageways flanked by pedestrian walkways. These walkways are unique—roofed with solar panels, and adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and artistic depictions of Lord Krishna, blending infrastructure with Indian spirituality.

• This bridge has not only provided all-weather connectivity to one of Gujarat’s most sacred islands but also stands as a symbol of sustainable and cultural engineering. The project was executed by SP Singla Constructions Private Limited, which was previously in the spotlight due to the collapse of its under-construction bridge in Bihar in 2023.

From the Sharavathi and Sigandur bridges in Karnataka to the Sudarshan Setu in Gujarat, India is witnessing a renaissance in road infrastructure. These projects are not just about shortening travel distances—they are about connecting people, boosting economies, enhancing pilgrimage access, and elevating the quality of life across states. Together, they underscore the Centre’s firm commitment to nationwide connectivity, sustainable engineering, and regional development.

Explore more on UPSC Content

Click for Daily Quotes:

Stay updated with the latest news by joining our Telegram channel – The PRESS Pad , and follow us on Instagram and X.