Sudarshan Setu: A Bridge Connecting People, Places, and Progress in Gujarat

PWOnlyIAS February 26, 2024 05:54 1457 0

The Sudarshan setu length is 2.32 kilometers, with a central double span cable-stay portion covering 900 meters, accompanied by a 2.45 kilometers long approach road.

Sudarshan Setu: A Bridge Connecting People, Places, and Progress in Gujarat

Context:

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s longest cable stayed bridge, Sudarshan Setu in Gujarat.

About Sudarshan Setu

It is a four lane cable-stayed bridge connecting Okha to Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat. The Sudarshan setu length is 2.32 kilometers, with a central double span cable-stay portion covering 900 meters, accompanied by a 2.45 kilometers long approach road. It is the longest cable stayed bridge in the country, measuring around 2.32 km.

Signature Bridge: It was earlier named as ‘Signature Bridge’, is India’s longest cable stayed bridge, with solar panels installed on the upper portions of the footpath, generating one megawatt of electricity.
Beyt Dwarka, located near Okha port approximately 30 kilometers from Dwarka town, is home to the revered Dwarkadhish temple of Lord Krishna.

What Is Sudarshan Setu and Why Is It Important?

Connecting the Sacred and Secular: Sudarshan Setu bridges the gap between the mainland of Gujarat and the holy island of Beyt Dwarka, a renowned pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna. Currently, devotees travelling to the temple at Beyt Dwarka are restricted to daytime boat journeys.

Boosting Tourism and Pilgrimage: Improved connectivity is expected to lead to a surge in tourism and pilgrimage activities, creating new employment opportunities and boosting the local economy in the Devbhumi Dwarka district.
Facilitating Economic Development: The bridge’s construction has created job opportunities during its construction phase and is expected to facilitate easier transportation of goods and services, fostering economic activity in the region by connecting markets and resources.
Gateway to Development: Sudarshan Setu serves as a vital link in the National Highway 51 network, improving regional connectivity and unlocking the potential for further infrastructure development in the surrounding areas.
Enhancing Cultural Significance: The bridge’s design incorporates elements that resonate with the local culture, including pedestrian walkways adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and depictions of Lord Krishna.

Sudarshan Setu

How Sudarshan Setu was Built and Inaugurated?

Timeline: The construction of Sudarshan Setu began in 2017 and was inaugurated in 2024. It involved meticulous planning, advanced technology, and the dedication of numerous engineers, construction workers, and other professionals.

A Historic Inauguration: It marks a significant milestone in Gujarat’s infrastructure development and highlights the government’s commitment to improving regional connectivity.
Overcoming Challenges: Complex marine environment and the need to ensure minimal environmental impact.
The team’s dedication and innovative solutions resulted in the successful completion of the bridge.

What Are the Architectural Features of Sudarshan Setu?

A Marvel of Engineering: Sudarshan Setu boasts a fourlane design with a total width of 27.2 metres, allowing for smooth traffic flow in both directions.
CableStayed Elegance: The bridge features a central double-span cable-stayed portion measuring 900 meters, showcasing impressive engineering techniques and adding an aesthetic flair.
A Walk with a View: Dedicated pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for walkers and cyclists.
Sustainable Innovations: The bridge incorporates eco-friendly features like solar panels installed on the walkways, generating one megawatt of clean electricity, contributing to a sustainable future.
Cultural Touches: The walkways are adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and depictions of Lord Krishna, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and adding a unique touch to the bridge’s design.

What Are the Benefits of Sudarshan Setu for the People and the Environment?

Benefits For People:

Reduced Travel Time and Costs: The bridge significantly shortens the journey between Beyt Dwarka and the mainland, making travel easier and less expensive for pilgrims, tourists, and locals.
Improved Accessibility: The improved connectivity opens doors for improved healthcare, education, and other essential services for the residents of Beyt Dwarka.
Enhanced Livelihood Opportunities: The surge in tourism and economic activity is expected to create new job opportunities in various sectors, improving the livelihoods of the local population.
Stronger Cultural Connection: The bridge facilitates easier access to the holy island, strengthening the cultural and religious connection for pilgrims and devotees.
A Symbol of Progress: Sudarshan Setu stands as a testament to India’s engineering capabilities and commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.

Benefits for the Environment:

Reduced Emissions: By facilitating smoother traffic flow and potentially encouraging carpooling, the bridge can contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions and air pollution.
Sustainable Energy Generation: The solar panels installed on the bridge generate clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a more sustainable future.
Environmental Considerations: The construction of the bridge was planned and executed with careful consideration for the environment, minimizing the impact on marine life and ecosystems.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism: Improved access to Beyt Dwarka can encourage ecofriendly tourism practices, raising awareness and promoting sustainable development in the region.

Other Cable Stayed Bridges In India

Name	Features
BandraWorli Sea Link	Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra Year: Completed in 2010 Cost: Approx. ₹16 billion (USD 400 million) Connects: Bandra and Worli, two major suburbs of Mumbai
Naini Bridge	Location: Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh Year: Completed in 2004 Cost: Approximately ₹300 million Connect: Prayagraj with Naini
Vidyasagar Setu	Location: Kolkata, West Bengal Year: Completed in 1992 Cost: Approximately ₹3.88 billion (USD 55 million) Connects: Kolkata with Howrah
Nivedita Setu	Location: Kolkata, West Bengal Year: Completed in 2007 Cost: Approximately ₹5.5 billion Connects: Kolkata with Dakshineswar
Hugli Bridge	Location: Kolkata, West Bengal Year: Completed in 1943 Cost: Not available Connects the city of Kolkata with Howrah
Sabarmati Riverfront Bridge	Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat Year: Completed in 2012 Cost: Approximately ₹1.4 billion Connects the eastern and western banks of the Sabarmati River
Godavari Bridge	Location: Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh Year: Completed in 1974 Cost: Not available Connects the city of Rajahmundry with Kovvur
Atal Setu	Location: Panaji (Goa), Goa Year: Completed in 2019 Cost: Approximately ₹1,403 crore (USD 192 million) Connects the capital city of Panaji with the industrial suburb of Merces.
Signature Bridge	Location: Delhi Year: Completed in 2018 Cost: Approximately ₹1,518 crore (USD 210 million) Connects Wazirabad in Delhi with the outer ring road
BandraWorli Sea Link	Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra Year: Completed in 2010 Cost: Approx. ₹16 billion (USD 400 million) Connects Bandra and Worli, two major suburbs of Mumbai

About Dwarkadhish Temple Complex

Dwarkadhish Temple Complex is situated in the coastal town of Dwarka in the western state of Gujarat, dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is revered as the Dwarkadhish, meaning ‘the Lord of Dwarka.’ According to Hindu scriptures, Dwarka is believed to be one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) where devotion to Lord Vishnu, in the form of Krishna, is highly revered.

It is said that Lord Krishna established his kingdom in Dwarka after leaving Mathura.
It is believed to be situated at the same location where Lord Krishna’s majestic city of Dwarka once stood.

Architectural Style of Dwarkadhish Temple Complex

It predominantly reflect the Chalukyan style with influences from various other regional styles. Sanctum Sanctorum of the main temple houses the idol of Dwarkadhish, Lord Krishna, in his divine form. Festivals such as Janmashtami (the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna) and Sharad Purnima (full moon day in the autumn season) are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm at Dwarkadhish Temple Complex, attracting devotees from far and wide.

Main Temple (Dwarkadhish Temple): It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built using limestone and sandstone, the temple features intricate carvings and ornate architecture. Its towering spire, adorned with sculptures depicting various episodes from Lord Krishna’s life, dominates the skyline of Dwarka.
Gopurams (Entrance Gateways): It serve as the primary entry points for devotees and are adorned with sculptures, statues, and colorful paintings depicting Hindu mythology.
Mandapas (Pillared Halls): They are characterized by intricately carved pillars, depicting divine beings, celestial dancers, and floral motifs.
Shikharas (Spire Towers): They symbolize the ascent from the material to the spiritual realm and are adorned with sculptural elements and decorative motifs.

Also Read: PM To Inaugurate First Hindu Temple In Abu Dhabi

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sudarshan Setu is India's longest cable-stayed bridge, spanning 2.32 kilometers in Gujarat, connecting Okha to Beyt Dwarka island.

It connects mainland Gujarat to Beyt Dwarka, boosting tourism, pilgrimage, and economic development.

Constructed between 2017 and 2024, it involved meticulous planning, advanced technology, and dedicated professionals.

It features a four-lane design, cable-stayed portion, pedestrian walkways, sustainable elements, and cultural adornments.

It enhances regional connectivity, unlocks economic potential, and symbolizes Gujarat's infrastructure development commitment.

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Sudarshan Setu: A Bridge Connecting People, Places, and Progress in Gujarat

Context:

About Sudarshan Setu

What Is Sudarshan Setu and Why Is It Important?

How Sudarshan Setu was Built and Inaugurated?

What Are the Architectural Features of Sudarshan Setu?

What Are the Benefits of Sudarshan Setu for the People and the Environment?

Benefits For People:

Benefits for the Environment:

Other Cable Stayed Bridges In India

About Dwarkadhish Temple Complex

Architectural Style of Dwarkadhish Temple Complex

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sudarshan Setu?

Why is Sudarshan Setu important?

How was Sudarshan Setu built?

What are the architectural features?

What impact does Sudarshan Setu have?

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