Monumental Bridge Connects Okha to Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Sudarshan Setu, a monumental cable-stayed bridge spanning approximately 2.32 km. The bridge connects the Okha mainland to Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat and was formerly known as the ‘Signature Bridge’ before its renaming.
Beyt Dwarka, an island about 30 km from Dwarka town, is situated near the Okha port and is home to the famous Dwarkadhish temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Touted as India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, Sudarshan Setu holds immense significance for both residents and pilgrims, particularly those visiting the revered Dwarkadhish Temple. Prime Minister Modi, joined by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, marked the inauguration as a momentous occasion in Gujarat’s developmental journey.
Initiated by the Centre in 2017, the project aims to simplify access for devotees commuting between Okha and Bet Dwarka, eliminating the need for boat transport. The 2.5 km bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 978 crore, boasts a distinctive design featuring a footpath adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna. Notably, it incorporates solar panels on the upper portions of the footpath, generating one megawatt of electricity.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi expressed anticipation for the bridge’s impact on Gujarat’s growth trajectory, emphasizing its role in enhancing connectivity. The Sudarshan Setu is poised to make pilgrimages to the Dwarkadhish Temple more accessible and convenient for devotees.
