On a significant occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Sudarshan Setu,’ marking the completion of India’s longest cable-stayed bridge. This architectural marvel spans 2.32 kilometers, connecting Okha and Beyt in Dwarka, Gujarat. Executed at a cost of ₹978 crore, the Sudarshan Setu assumes great importance for local residents and pilgrims, offering seamless access to the revered Dwarkadhish temple.
Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi took to his social media account, tweeting, “Tomorrow is a special day for Gujarat’s growth trajectory. Among the several projects being inaugurated is the Sudarshan Setu, connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka. This is a stunning project which will enhance connectivity.”
The Sudarshan Setu, positioned to bolster connectivity between the Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island, stands out as India’s longest cable-stayed structure. Beyond its structural grandeur, the bridge incorporates sustainability features, with solar panels adorning the upper sections of its footpath. This innovative addition enables the generation of one megawatt of electricity.
Key Features of the Sudarshan Setu:
- Cost and Length: The bridge was constructed at a cost of ₹978 crore, extending over an impressive 2.32 kilometers.
- Initiation: Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project in October 2017, underlining its role in bridging the historical gap between old and new Dwarka.
- Purpose: A primary objective is to simplify the commute for devotees traveling between Okha and Beyt Dwarka, eliminating the need for boat transport to reach the Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Design Elements: The Sudarshan Setu incorporates unique design elements, featuring verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna on its footpath.
- Sustainable Integration: Solar panels on the higher sections of the sidewalk contribute to environmental sustainability, generating a significant one megawatt of electricity.
Beyond its practical significance, the Sudarshan Setu holds cultural and spiritual value, adding verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna to its design. The project was a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s vision, as he initiated its construction in October 2017. The completion of this four-lane bridge, accompanied by 2.50-meter-wide footpaths on either side, not only simplifies the pilgrimage for devotees but also transforms into a tourist attraction, showcasing Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to architectural excellence.
In addition to inaugurating the Sudarshan Setu, Prime Minister Modi also marked the opening of Gujarat’s first All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rajkot. The AIIMS in Rajkot, along with four other AIIMS hospitals in different states, underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure across the nation.
As part of the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi is expected to participate in a mega roadshow in the city, further emphasizing the government’s dedication to comprehensive infrastructure development and improved healthcare facilities in the region. The Sudarshan Setu, standing as a symbol of connectivity and cultural enrichment, is poised to become a landmark structure in the vibrant tapestry of India’s architectural landscape.