‘Sudarshan Setu’ India’s longest cable stayed bridge linking Okha and Beyt Dwarka island, Gujarat was inaugurated today by Narendra Modi.
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A total cost of Rs 979 crore had been dedicated to construct this bridge. The idea behind building this bridge was the brainchild of Narendra Modi, and he formulated it back in October 2017, referring that this bridge will serve a connection between Old and New Dwarka.
Construction of India’s longest cable stayed bridge
The Sudarshan Setu extends for approximately 2.32 km, over the Arabian Sea making it India’s longest cable-stayed bridge. According to an official statement, from the Devbhumi Dwarka administration, the bridge spans four lanes with a width of 27.20 meters, featuring footpaths measuring 2.50 meters on both sides. The footpath is adorned with excerpts from the Bhagavad Gita and depictions of Lord Krishna, gracing both sides of the bridge. On both flanks of the bridge, solar panels have been installed. These are capable of generating one megawatt of electricity which will contribute to India’s renewable energy production.
Previously the Sudarshan Bridge or the Sudarshan Setu was referred to as the ‘Signature Bridge’. Now it has been renamed. Beyt Dwarka, situated near the Okha port, is approximately 30 kilometres away from Dwarka town, home to the renowned Dwarkadhish temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Before the inauguration of the longest cable stayed bridge, Prime Minister Modi paid homage at the Dwarkadhish temple.
Benefits
It is anticipated to be one of the popular destinations and a major tourist spot in Dwarka besides providing round the clock access to the Dwarkadhish temple. This Setu has been built to facilitate the devotees and tourists by reducing their travel time. Earlier devotees depended on boats to travel and hence relied during the day time. But with this bridge, transportation hurdles have been overcome which facilities smooth journey for both the devotees as well as the tourists. This also endeavors to benefit a population of 8500 people residing on the Beyt Dwarka island and also has the infrastructure to accommodate two million pilgrims visiting the temple.
Priests and members of the local community extend their appreciation to Prime Minister Modi, highlighting both the spiritual and practical importance of the Sudarshan Setu. Apart from its symbolic resonance, the bridge is poised to attract tourism, accelerate travel time for visitors, and enhance accessibility to superior healthcare facilities. This holistic impact underscores the role of the Sudarshan Setu, not only in fostering spiritual connections but also in advancing the overall well-being of the people and prosperity of the region.
PM Modi’s Initiatives
In a tweet from his official handle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi heralded that this bridge is one of the steps propelling Gujarat’s developmental journey to new heights. Among the various initiatives undertaken Sudarshan Setu emerges as a beacon of enhanced connectivity symbolizing the progress of the state as well as the spirit of unity.
Later today, he is scheduled to inaugurate Gujarat’s inaugural All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rajkot.
Responses by the People
Dharam Thakar, Pandaji in Beyt Dwarka Temple on the note of inauguration of the bridge said that the Sudarshan Setu is not just a bridge, it is a feeling. “
As per the news agency ANI, he expressed, that the Sudarshan Bridge resolves all the challenges encountered by the villagers in this area. Prime Minister Modi’s decision to include Dwarka in ‘Viksit Bharat’ is greatly appreciated, and he extends his gratitude to him for this initiative.
Dwarkadhish Temple
In the heart of Dwarka city, Gujarat, the Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir stands as a Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Lord Krishna. Dwarka is a significant place and is revered as one of the stops along the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Historical excavations trace the temple’s origins back to as early as 200 BCE.
