Introduction
Sudarshan setu, the connected bridge between Okha and Beyt in the pilgrims site of Dwarka, Gujrat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 February inaugurates this bridge, with immense significance for residents and pilgrims. It’s length around 2.32km. It is also known as India’s longest cable bridge.
Location
Beyt Dwarka is an island situated near Okha Port, which is approximately 30 km from Dwarka town. Here, the famous Dwarkadhis temple of Lord Krishna is situated. This temple attracts pilgrims very much. This bridge connects the Okhan mainland with Beyt Dwarka in Gujrat.
Bridge History
The bridge, previously known as the ‘Signature Bridge’, has been renamed ‘Sudarshan Setu’.The initial plan for this bridge was taken in 2017 by the Center with a ceremony. Mostly, this bridge gives devotees access to commute between Okha and Bety Dwarka. Before Sudarshan setu construction, pilgrims had to rely on boats for transportation to reach the famous temple Dwarkadhish in Beyt,Dwarka. This bridge has greatly facilitated the pilgrims. Gujrat’s first sea link signature bridge is technically a sea link, a first for Gujrat. It’s total length is 4772m, including a 900-meter cable-stayed section. The four-lane bridge constructed for Rs 978 crore was fully founded by the Union government.
Significance of this bridge
Diu, which is situated on the Gir somnath coast and is a union territory after Diu Dwarka, is the second largest island coast in Gujrat. While Diu’s geographical area is around 40 sq km and Dwarka’s is 36 sq km, Dwarka is mainly part of Okha municipality and has a population of around 10,000. At present, the only way to connect Bet Dwarka and mainland Gujrat is by ferry service and boat for transportation running from Dwarka to Okha, the nearest point on the mainland. The signature bridge will provide all-weather road connectivity to the island. Bet Dwarka is mainly a spot for pilgrims. A major pilgrimage and religious tourist gathering every year at this spot, Shree Dwarkadhish Mukhya Mandir, a shrine of Lord Krishna, is located at Bet Dwarka. Various Hindu temples, some in Gurur Dhar, which is called Gurudwar, and some mosques are also present here. Thousands of pilgrims, mostly Hindus, visit Bet Dwarka for Darshan at the Lord Krisna temple. The survival motto of the people here is agriculture and fishing, which is the main source of livelihood on the island, besides tourism activities. The bridge also has footpaths on both sides,which are 2.5 m long and have been adorned with verse from the Shrimad Bhagavab Gita and images of Lord Krishna. Solar panels from the roof of these walkways.
Architecture features
Sudarshan Setu is a cable-stayed bridge. This cable is built with steel pylons. The deck, which is made of reinforced concrete steel with two carriageways,. The two-lane bridge, whose total width is 27.2 m (89 ft), has a 2.5 m (8 ft) wide footpath on each side. The solar panels atop the footpath shade have a capacity of 1 MW. With a length of 2320 m, the cable bridge has a 900 m-long central section. It had three spans with a 500-meter-long middle span,the longest in India. The other 3 spans on either side have a length of 100 m, and the other 2 span 50 m each. This bridge shapes two A composites. The bridges on the Okha and Dwarka sides have lengths of 770 mt and 650 mt, respectively. Two A-shaped composite pylons supporting the bridge are 129 m tall and have a radius of 300 m in the backspin up to 22 m from the center of the pylon. The total length of the road is 2.8 km. This bridge is designed to withstand seismic activity and floods common to the region. This bridge lamination is for night visibility. The aesthetic design reflects this bridge and also reflects local culture and heritage, accommodating both predicted traffic and providing a vital transport link between two regions. This bridge is able to carry heavy loads, wind, and earthquake architectural lighting, which enhances its visual appeal at night, making it a landmark of the surrounding area.
Controversy about the bridge
The bridge, which was constructed as a part of national highway 5 that runs along the sea coast of Saurastra, was built by the NH division of Gujrat roads and building departments. The government has awarded the contract for this bridge to SP Single Construction Private Limited. Single Construction was constructing the bridge, and it was the second time that it had collapsed within a year. However, Gurrat government officials said that the Signature Bridge was on the verge of completion, and we can think about it. Despite these concerns, the Gujrat government proceeded with the project. Importantly, this was not the first controversy to arise during the construction of this setu. More than 100 houses, shops, and religious places on the shores of Dwarka Island were abolished. Most of these houses belonged to minorities. The police officers responded that these houses and shops were abolished for the construction of this bridge and for security reasons.
Impact on local people
Ferry operators travel between Okha and Beyt Dwarka, causing a decline in passenger traffic with the inauguration of this setu. The government’s potential fare hike is Rs 50. This bridge provides some relief, but boat operators may face economic problems, especially those owned by the minority community.
Conclusion
Sudarshan Setu emerges as a vital infrastructure achievement, connectivity, tourism growth, and also helps economic growth. After the bridge is inaugurated, a huge economic breakdown is seen among ferry and boat operators, which is very painful. Only those who want to enjoy a boat ride and watch seagulls will take the bridge. Boat operators try to improve the quality of their boats so that people are attracted, and they also enjoy the lovely moments of dolphin views.Piers in water 34 bridge construcion started 7 October 2017 and end 10 December 2023 and open for all 25 February 2024. Coordinates: 22N, 69E.The bridge serves about 8500 people on the island, as well as about two religious people who are visiting the temples here. It is a good move for our society. Pillar of development and progress. This is a single developmental position in India. The upper parts of the walkway over the bridge will contribute to the production of one megawatt of electricity. The signature bridge boasts a unique design, featuring a footpath adorned with verses from the Bhagavsd Gita and images of Lord Krishna on both sides. The most beautiful thing is that the bridge will be opened in the name of God Sudarshan. Everyone should remember these prestigious things. We are all thankful to our prime minister for these actions and plans; we cannot explain our happiness and excitement with words.
