On February 25, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Sudarshan Setu, India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, connecting Okha to Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat. With a construction cost of Rs 980 crore, the bridge aims to provide seamless connectivity for pilgrims visiting the renowned Dwarkadhish temple on Beyt Dwarka, located near the Okha port.
Spanning a length of 2.32 kilometers, Sudarshan Setu stands as a monumental infrastructure project, formerly known as the ‘Signature Bridge’ and now renamed Sudarshan Setu or Sudarshan Bridge. Characterized by its distinct design, the bridge features footpaths adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna on both sides, reflecting Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage.
One of the unique features of Sudarshan Setu is the installation of solar panels on its footpaths, aiming to generate one megawatt of electricity, as per the Prime Minister’s Office statement. The bridge boasts a four-lane design with a width of 27.20 meters and 2.50-meter-wide footpaths on each side for pedestrian access. Its construction includes a central double span cable-stayed portion extending over 900 meters, complemented by a 2.45-kilometer-long approach road.
Before Sudarshan Setu’s construction, pilgrims relied on boat transport to access Beyt Dwarka. Now, with four lanes and wide footpaths on each side, the bridge offers sturdy infrastructure, enhancing accessibility for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2017, Sudarshan Setu plays a crucial role in connecting old and new Dwarka while showcasing Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage and architectural excellence.
