Sudarshan Setu: A Marvel of Engineering Connecting Beyt Dwarka and Okha

In a landmark moment for infrastructure development in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sudarshan Setu on 25th February 2024. Formerly known as the Okha–Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge, this engineering marvel stands as the longest cable-stayed bridge in the country, spanning a total length of 2,320 meters (7,612 ft).

Its significance extends beyond mere connectivity, offering a lifeline to approximately 8,500 island residents and facilitating the pilgrimage of over two million devotees to the revered temples in the region.

A Journey Through History

The journey towards the realisation of Sudarshan Setu began with the approval granted by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on 7th October 2017, marking the commencement of a project aimed at enhancing accessibility and connectivity in the region.

Constructed at a cost of ₹979 crore (US$120 million), this bridge stands as a testament to India's commitment to infrastructural development.

Architectural Marvels

The Sudarshan Setu stands tall as a cable-stayed bridge, characterised by a captivating fan arrangement of cables supported by sturdy steel pylons. The deck, crafted from composite steel-reinforced concrete, boasts two carriageways with a total width of 27.2 meters (89 ft).

Ensuring pedestrian convenience, the bridge features 2.5 meters (8 ft) wide footpaths on each side. Moreover, the upper portions of these footpaths are adorned with solar panels, capable of generating one megawatt of electricity, exemplifying a sustainable approach towards infrastructure development.

Distinguishing itself further, the Sudarshan Setu houses a central cable section spanning 900 meters (2,953 ft), making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in India.

The middle span, stretching across 500 meters, stands as the longest of its kind in the country. Complementing this central section, the bridge features three additional spans on either side, each spanning 100 meters, with two spans at 50 meters each.

Technical Ingenuity

The Sudarshan Setu is not just a feat of architectural brilliance but also a testament to technical ingenuity. The bridge is supported by two A-shaped composite pylons towering at a height of 129.985 meters, with a radius of 300 meters leaning in the back span up to 22 meters from the centre of the pylon.

The approach bridges on both the Okha and Beyt Dwarka sides extend to lengths of 770 meters and 650 meters, respectively, seamlessly integrating the bridge into the existing road network.