Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) inaugurated India’s second longest cable-stayed bridge across Sharavathi backwaters at Sigandur in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district, Karnataka. The bridge is named after Goddess Chowdeshwari.
Overview:
- Inauguration by: Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways
- Location: Across Sharavathi backwaters in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district, Karnataka
- Connectivity: Connects Sagara and Marakutika, easing access to Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple
Sigandur Bridge (Karnataka)
Project Details:
- Length: 2.44 km; Width: 16 meters (including footpaths)
- Cost: ₹472 crore
- Project Sanctioned by MoRTH: March 2019
- Construction Began: December 2019
- Executing Agency: Dilip Buildcon Ltd, Madhya Pradesh
- Bridge Type: Extra-dosed cable-stayed cum balanced cantilever (8th such in India)
Bridge Specifications:
- Deck Width: 16m (11m carriageway + 1.5m footpaths on either side)
- Approach Roads: 1 km (Sagara side), 3 km (Sigandur side)
- Technical Details:
- 604 box girder segments
- 164 piles (1.8m diameter)
- 96 cables on 4 pylons
- Spherical bearings for structural support
Strategic Importance:
- Reduces dependency on outdated daytime-only barge service in the region.
- Replaces ferry & coracle travel, especially crucial post-1960s submergence due to Linganamakki Dam (Sharavathi reservoir).
- Improves connectivity to remote villages and pilgrimage sites like Kollur Mookambike Temple and Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple. Strengthens coastal and interior connectivity in Karnataka.
- Boosts tourism and local economy in Shivamogga district. Facilitates religious tourism and economic revival in submerged/remote villages.
- Symbol of inclusive infrastructure development in challenging terrain. Showcases MoRTH’s push towards long-span, cable-stayed bridge technology for complex terrains.
Socio-Historical Background:
- Connectivity demand since 1960s after villages were submerged due to Sharavathi dam.
- Boat capsize incident claimed 21 lives, leading to increased public pressure for safe connectivity.
- Ferry services by Ports and Inland Water Transport Dept. became insufficient.
- Key Advocates: Local residents, former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, MP B.Y. Raghavendra, ex-Minister Kagodu Thimmappa.
MoRTH’s Other National Highway Projects in Karnataka
Foundation laid for 9 NH Projects:
- Total Length: 99 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹2,000+ crore
Key Highlights:
- Bidar–Humnabad (NH-367) – 47 km stretch; Reduces travel time between Bidar & Kalaburagi
- Shiradi Ghat (NH-75) Restoration; Critical monsoon route on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru corridor
Highway Expansion Milestones:
- NH Length in Karnataka: Increased from 6,707 km (2014) to 9,424 km (2024)
- Major Projects Timeline:
- Belagavi–Hungund–Raichur corridor: Ready by 2027
- Hassan–Raichur: Completion by Dec 2028
- Tumkuru–Shivamogga 4-laning: Ready by end of 2025
- Mysuru–Madikeri & Chitradurga–Shivamogga roads: By 2026
Sudarshan Setu: India’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Gulf of Kutch, connecting Okha mainland to Bet Dwarka island |
| Also Known As | Signature Bridge |
| Length | 4.772 km (900m cable-stayed span) |
| Construction Cost | ₹978 crore (Union Government funded) |
| Purpose | All-weather road link replacing ferry services to Bet Dwarka |
| Unique Features | Walkways with solar panel roof, Gita verses, and Lord Krishna motifs |
| Part of | NH-51 (Saurashtra Coast) |
| Executed by | Gujarat Roads and Buildings Department (NH Division) |
Key Facts:
- India’s longest cable-stayed bridge: Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai.
- Sharavathi River: Originates from the Western Ghats and flows into the Arabian Sea; known for the Jog Falls, one of India’s highest waterfalls.