India, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is also home to impressive feats of engineering. Among these, the construction of bridges stands out, facilitating connectivity and economic growth. One such marvel is the longest bridge in India, a testament to the nation’s progress in infrastructure development. In this article, we will delve into the details of this engineering marvel, highlighting its significance and impact.
India’s Longest Bridge 2023
A bridge is a structure designed to span physical obstacles like rivers, valleys or roads, allowing unimpeded passage beneath it. India, known for its abundant rivers, has tackled the challenges posed by these water bodies by constructing a multitude of bridges. These include roads, rail-road combinations and remarkable feats of engineering by Indian professionals. The country boasts some of the globe’s finest components of a nation’s infrastructure, connecting economically synergetic locations and fostering increased economic activity.
Longest Bridge in India, List
Dhola Sadia Bridge, with the total length of 9.15 km, holds first spot on the list of longest bridge in India, followed by Dibang River Bridge, The Mahatma Gandhi Setu and The Bandra Worli Sea Link.
Here is the list of longest bridges in India:
Longest Bridges in India | |||||
S. No. | Bridge | Distance | Opened | Place | Connecting |
1. | Dhola Sadiya Bridge | 9.15 km | 2017 | Lohit River | Assam and Arunachal Pradesh |
2. | Dibang River Bridge | 6.2 km | 2018 | Dibang River | Arunachal Pradesh |
3. | Mahatma Gandhi Setu | 5.75 km | 1982 | Ganga | South Patna to Hajipur |
4. | Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL) | 5.57 km | 2009 | Mahim Bay | Bandra to Worli (South Mumbai) |
5. | Bogibeel Bridge | 4.94 km | 2018 | Brahmaputra River | Dhemaji to Dibrugarh |
6. | Vikramshila Setu | 4.70 km | 2001 | Ganga | Bhagalpur to Naugachia |
7. | Vembanad Rail Bridge | 4.62 km | 2011 | Vembanad Lake | Edappally to Vallarpadam |
8. | Digha-Sonpur Bridge | 4.55 km | 2016 | Ganga River | Digha, Patna to Sonpur, Saran |
9. | Arrah-Chhapra Bridge | 4.35 km | 2017 | Ganga | Arrah to Chhapra |
10. | Godavari Bridge | 4.13 km | 2015 | Godavari river | Kovvur to Rajamundry |
11. | Munger Ganga Bridge | 3.75 km | 2020 | Ganges River | Munger to Jamalpur |
12. | Chahlari Ghat Bridge | 3.25 km | 2017 | Ghagra River | Bahraich to Sitapur |
13. | Jawahar Setu | 3.06 km | 1965 | Son River | Delhi – Son nagar |
14. | Nehru Setu | 3.05 km | 1900 | Son River | Dehri – Son Nagar |
15. | Koila Bhomora Setu | 3.01 km | 1987 | Brahmaputra River | Tezpur to Kaliabor |
Longest Bridge in India – Dhola Sadia Bridge
- Length: 9.15 km
- Opened: 2017
- Type: Road
- Connecting: Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
- Location: Lohit River, Tinsukia, Assam
The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, also known as the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, holds the distinction of being India’s longest bridge over water. Stretching across the mighty Brahmaputra, this 9.15 km bridge was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi. Connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the bridge significantly reduces travel times, cutting the journey by five hours and 165 km between the two states.
India’s Second Longest Bridge – Dibang River Bridge
- Length: 6.2 km
- Opened: 2018
- Type: Road
- Connecting: Arunachal Pradesh
- Location: Dibang River
The Dibang River is alternatively referred to as Sikang Bridge. India’s longest road bridges, the Mahatma Gandhi Setu and Bhupen Hazarika Setu, both across the Dibang River in Arunachal Pradesh. Spanning a length of 6.2 kilometers, this bridge is of strategic importance, facilitating swift access for the Indian Army to reach the Chinese border.
Third Longest Bridge of India – Mahatma Gandhi Setu
- Length: 5.75 km
- Opened: 1982
- Type: Road
- Connecting: South Patna to Hajipur
- Location: Ganga River
Nelson Gandhi, also known as the Setu Bridge, spans the Ganges, linking Patna and Hajipur, ranking as the third-longest bridge in India. A prominent tourist attraction in the state, this river bridge stretches over 5750 meters and was inaugurated in 1982 by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Until the inauguration of the Dibang Bridge, it held the title of the longest bridge for a considerable period.
Fourth Longest Bridge in India – Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL)
- Length: 5.57 km
- Opened: 2009
- Type: Road
- Connecting: Bandra to Worli (South Mumbai)
- Location: Mahim Bay
The Bandra Worli Sea Link, alternatively named the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, stands as the fourth-largest water bridge in India. This expertly crafted structure links Worli in South Mumbai with Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai. Comprising pre-stressed concrete steel viaducts and characterized by a cable-stayed design, the bridge is part of the Western Freeway project, encompassing bridges with a total length of 5.57 feet.
India’s Fifth Longest Bridge – Bogibeel Bridge
- Length: 4.94 km
- Opened: 2018
- Type: Rail cum road
- Connecting: Dhemaji to Dibrugarh
- Location: Brahmaputra River
In Assam, the Bogibeel Bridge spans the Brahmaputra River, linking the districts of Dhemaji and Dibrugarh. Stretching across 4.94 km, it holds the distinction of being India’s longest rail/ road bridge. Notably, it is the country’s pioneer bridge featuring fully welded steel concrete beams designed to withstand earthquakes with a Richer magnitude of up to 7, given its location in a seismic-prone zone. This bridge, the second-longest rail-road structures in Asia, boasts a remarkable operational lifespan of 120 years.