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India’s Second‑Longest Cable‑Stayed Bridge Unveiled Over Sharavathi at Shivamogga.

National | Dated: 16 Jul 2025

In mid-July 2025, Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari officially unveiled India’s second‑longest cable-stayed bridge across the Sharavathi backwaters in Shivamogga’s Sagara taluk. The 2.44 km structure enhances regional travel, tourism, and economic growth while showcasing advanced engineering.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Union Minister Nitin Gadkari presided over the inauguration on 14 July 2025, accompanied by fellow Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and senior BJP leader and former Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa. The ceremony took place between Ambaragodlu and Kalasavalli, and marked the completion of this ₹472–473 crore project.
  • - Construction began in December 2019 after project clearance in March 2019 by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH). Built by Dilip Buildcon Ltd, the bridge features an extradosed balanced‑cantilever design with a 16 m-wide deck—an 11 m carriageway and 1.5 m footpaths on each side—and 96 cables supported by four pylons.
  • - This landmark truss spans 2.44 km and incorporates 604 box-girder segments on 164 piles (1.8 m diameter). It reduces commute time by around two hours by replacing a daytime-only barge service, thus better linking villages, part of the Malnad region, and facilitating pilgrims visiting Sigandur Chowdeshwari and Kollur Mookambika temples.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) A political controversy emerged as Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his cabinet stayed away, citing inadequate notice. The Chief Minister released a letter stating that MoRTH had consulted his office only three days earlier and requested a postponement due to prior commitments. Gadkari maintained that formal invitations were issued on 11 July, with follow-up for virtual participation, emphasizing respect for cooperative federalism.
  • (ii) Beyond its local impact, the project is part of a larger infrastructure push—Gadkari also announced a ₹10,000 crore Belagavi–Hungund–Raichur four‑lane corridor, 40% progress on Bengaluru’s ring road (₹15,000 crore), and acceleration of the Hassan–Raichur Economic Corridor. He noted that Tumakuru–Shivamogga highway work is nearing completion, set to halve driving time between Bengaluru and Shivamogga.
  • (iii) As the bridge opens to the public, it is expected to alleviate travel bottlenecks, foster regional economic development, and support tourism in the Sigandur area. With a maintenance plan involving a 10‑year initial period followed by bi‑annual checks, the bridge is set to be a durable asset enhancing connectivity across Karnataka’s Malnad region.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which Indian state recently became home to the country’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge?

Correct Answer: Karnataka

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Karnataka

  • Chief minister: Siddaramaiah
  • Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot