Top 10 Longest Bridges in India and Why They Matter

Bridges play a crucial role in connecting regions, facilitating trade, and ensuring smooth transportation across various landscapes. India, with its vast rivers and diverse terrain, has built some of the longest and most significant bridges. These infrastructure marvels are not only feats of engineering but also vital components of the nation’s growth. Here’s a look at the longest bridges in India and their significance:

The Longest Bridges in India and Their Significance:

1. Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) – Maharashtra

• Length: 21.8 kilometers
• Location: Connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai
• Completed: 2024
• Significance:
  • Atal Setu will be the longest sea bridge in India upon completion. It spans Thane Creek, connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, and is expected to drastically reduce travel time between the two cities.
  • This bridge is a six-lane expressway that will handle approximately 70,000 vehicles per day, easing congestion and enhancing economic activity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
  • It is expected to be a key enabler for improved regional connectivity and trade.

2. Dhola-Sadiya Bridge (Bhupen Hazarika Setu) – Assam

• Length: 9.15 kilometers
• Location: Connecting Dhola and Sadiya in Assam
• Completed: 2017
• Significance:
  • Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, also known as Bhupen Hazarika Setu, is the longest bridge in India.
  • It spans the Brahmaputra River, reducing the travel time between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • This bridge plays an essential role in connecting the remote northeastern regions of India, benefiting local communities, boosting trade, and facilitating better access to strategic areas.

3. Dibang River Bridge – Arunachal Pradesh

• Length: 6.2 kilometers
• Location: Arunachal Pradesh
• Completed: 2018
• Significance:
  • The Dibang River Bridge will be the second-longest bridge in India when completed.
  • It is being constructed over the Dibang River and will provide all-weather connectivity from Roing to Dambuk in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The bridge is of strategic importance, as it will facilitate the movement of defense personnel and equipment to the Indo-China border.

4. Mahatma Gandhi Setu – Bihar

• Length: 5.75 kilometers
• Location: Connecting Patna and Hajipur in Bihar
• Completed: 1982
• Significance:
  • The Mahatma Gandhi Setu spans the Ganges River, connecting the state capital, Patna, to the northern parts of Bihar.
  • It has significantly improved accessibility and trade, benefiting millions of people.
  • This bridge is crucial in reducing congestion and is vital for daily commuting and goods transportation in Bihar.

5. Bandra-Worli Sea Link – Mumbai

• Length: 5.6 kilometers
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Completed: 2009
• Significance:
  • The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a cable-stayed bridge that connects the western suburbs of Mumbai to South Mumbai.
  • This landmark bridge reduces travel time between Bandra and Worli and eases traffic congestion in Mumbai, one of the busiest cities in India.
  • The sea link has also become an iconic part of Mumbai’s skyline.

6. Bogibeel Bridge – Assam

• Length: 4.94 kilometers
• Location: Connecting Dhemaji and Dibrugarh in Assam
• Completed: 2018
• Significance:
  • The Bogibeel Bridge is India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge, measuring 4.94 kilometers.
  • It crosses the Brahmaputra River and connects Dhemaji with Dibrugarh, reducing travel time and improving connectivity.
  • This bridge has strategic military importance, improving defense movement in the northeastern region.

7. Vembanad Rail Bridge – Kerala

• Length: 4.6 kilometers
• Location: Kochi, Kerala
• Completed: 2011
• Significance:
  • The Vembanad Rail Bridge is the longest rail bridge in India.
  • It connects Edappally and Vallarpadam in Kochi, Kerala, primarily used for freight transport.
  • The bridge supports the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal, enhancing the port’s capacity.

8. Arrah–Chhapra Bridge – Bihar

• Length: 4.35 kilometers
• Location: Connecting Arrah and Chhapra in Bihar
• Completed: 2017
• Significance:
  • The Arrah–Chhapra Bridge is one of the longest multi-span extradosed bridges in the world.
  • It spans the Ganges River and significantly reduces travel time between Arrah and Chhapra.
  • The bridge is essential for improving regional connectivity and has played a key role in promoting trade and commerce in Bihar.

9. Vikramshila Setu – Bihar

• Length: 4.7 kilometers
• Location: Near Bhagalpur, Bihar
• Completed: 1991
• Significance:
  • The Vikramshila Setu crosses the Ganges River and connects Bhagalpur and Khagaria districts in Bihar.
  • This bridge improves transportation and trade between these regions, contributing to Bihar’s economic growth.

10. Digha–Sonpur Bridge – Bihar

• Length: 4.55 kilometers
• Location: Connecting Digha and Sonpur in Bihar
• Completed: 2017
• Significance:
  • The Digha–Sonpur Bridge spans the Ganges River, linking Digha and Sonpur.
  • It enhances accessibility between several northern and eastern regions of Bihar and plays a crucial role in facilitating smoother traffic movement.

Summary

India’s longest bridges are not just feats of engineering; they represent critical links that drive regional development, enhance economic activity, and contribute to strategic growth. These bridges reduce travel times, boost trade, and improve connectivity between remote and urban areas. As the country continues to grow, these bridges will play an even more important role in shaping India’s infrastructure landscape.