There are many bridges in
India. Here are the longest bridges in India, categorised on the basis of road,
rail, and rail-road.
The Bhupen Hazarika Setu, opened in 2017, connects the
northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Spanning 9.15 km in length,
this is the longest road bridge in India. The beam bridge is constructed over
the Lohit River, which is one of Brahmaputra River’s major tributary. It is
also called the Dhola–Sadiya Bridge. It is maintained by the Navayuga
Engineering Company and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The bridge
holds tactical significance for the defence of India after there was a dispute
with China over claim to Arunachal Pradesh. The bridge is designed to carry
tanks about 60-tonnes like T-72 main battle and Indian Army’s Arjun tanks.
The Bhupen Hazarika Setu
The longest rail bridge in
India is Vembanad Rail Bridge. Located in Kerala, it connects
Vallarpadam and Edappally in Kochi. Spanning a length of 4.62 km, it only
carries freight. Opened to the public in February 2011, it records average
daily traffic of 15 trains. Constructed 80% over water, it passes through 3
islands, which include the Idyakkara and Mulavukad islands.
Vembanad Rail Bridge
Bogibeel Bridge is the
longest rail-road bridge in India. Built over the Brahmaputra river, it is
located in Assam. Spanning 4.94 kilometres, this is the second longest rail and
road bridge in Asia and the fourth largest bridge in India. It was opened and
inaugurated on 25 December 2018 by prime minister Narendra Modi. Being in the
earthquake-prone area, it is designed to withstand quakes as high as level 7 on
the Richter Scale. Built with a budget of Rs. 5,920 crore, it is estimated that
the bridge will have a serviceable period of about 120 years. While construction
began in 2002, its progress was slowed down due to the heavy rainfall in the
region. It took 200 months to complete it. The bridge has brought road
connectivity between Assam’s Dibrugarh and Dhemaji district. For rail
connectivity, it has joined Lumding-Dibrugarh section and Rangia-Murkongselek
section, lying to the north and south banks of Brahmaputra respectively.
Bogibeel Bridge
