India’s Top Engineering Marvels: Bridges that define connectivity and beauty including world’s highest rail bridge and country’s longest bridge over water
While making travel itineraries you may not focus on visiting bridges in a location like India but our curated list of India’s engineering prowess, natural wonders, and cultural heritage in scores of stunning structures that connect the country will motivate you to visit them, once in a lifetime.
Here is a list of bridges in India that are counted in the masonry marvels of the Indian road and railway network. A must-visit for those interested in infrastructure marvels and historical landmarks.
Chenab Rail Bridge (J&K)
The most recent feat in India’s civil engineering abilities is its skill to build the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Steel Arch Bridge over the Chenab River stands at the height of 1,178 feet above the riverbed and runs between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of J&K,
Key Features: Taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it is an engineering marvel with the world’s highest railway arch span. It offers breathtaking views of the Chenab River and the surrounding Himalayan mountains.
Dhola-Sadiya Bridge (Assam):
Named as Bhupen Hazarika Bridge, it is the longest river bridge in India, spanning approximately 9.15 kilometres. Located across the Brahmaputra River, in Tinsukia district in Assam it connects Dhola in Assam with Sadiya in Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Features: The bridge width is about 3 lanes and significantly improved connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and savings of INR 10 lacs per day in terms of fuel efficiency of diesel and petrol vehicles. It’s an important asset in terms of transportation of essential goods and services for the Indian Army in border areas.
New Pamban Sea Bridge (Tamil Nadu):
The century-old iconic first-ever bridge built across the sea in India Pamban Bridge is known for its unique double-leaf bascule design and scenic views of the Palk Strait). Running parallel to its predecessor -The new Pamban sea bridge is 2.07 km long and is 12.5 metres above sea level. Located between Rameswaram and mainland Tamil Nadu, it is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.
Key Features: A defining feature of the new Pamban Bridge is its 72-metre-long vertical lift span that can be raised to a height of 17 metres allowing for the seamless passage of ships and steamers beneath
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) – Atal Setu (Maharashtra):
The 21.8km Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smruti Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu inaugurated recently offers faster connectivity to individuals commuting between the island city of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Key Features: Also known as MTHL is a crucial infrastructure project that will provide seamless connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai as well as Pune. It is set to reduce travel time and ease congestion on existing routes.
Special Mention:
Howrah Bridge (Kolkata, West Bengal):
The bridge is supposed to be the world’s busiest cantilever bridge. Renamed the Rabindra Setu, the 1943-built bridge handles about 100,000 vehicles and more than 150,000 pedestrians every day. Located across the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata and Howrah, it is built without the use of a single nut and screw to join the array of metallic structures.
Key Features: The iconic landmark of Kolkata is one of the oldest hanging bridges in the world with no pillars supporting its suspension over the Hooghly River. Sixth longest bridge of this type.
