There are many bridges in India. Here are the longest bridges in India, categorized on the basis of road, rail, and rail-road.
The Bhupen Hazarika Setu, opened in 2017, connects the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Spanning 9.15 km in length, this is the longest road bridge in India. The beam bridge is constructed over the Lohit River, which is one of Brahmaputra River’s major tributaries. It is also called the Dhola–Sadiya Bridge. It is maintained by the Navayuga Engineering Company and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The bridge holds tactical significance for the defence of India after there was a dispute with China over claim to Arunachal Pradesh. The bridge is designed to carry tanks about 60-tonnes like T-72 main battle and Indian Army’s Arjun tanks.
The longest rail bridge in India is Vembanad Rail Bridge. Located in Kerala, it connects Vallarpadam and Edappally in Kochi. Spanning a length of 4.62 km, it only carries freight. Opened to the public in February 2011, it records average daily traffic of 15 trains. Constructed 80% over water, it passes through 3 islands, which include the Idyakkara and Mulavukad islands.
Bogibeel Bridge is the longest rail-road bridge in India. Built over the Brahmaputra river, it is located in Assam. Spanning 4.94 kilometres, this is the second-longest rail and road bridge in Asia and the fourth largest bridge in India. It was opened and inaugurated on 25 December 2018 by prime minister Narendra Modi. Being in the earthquake-prone area, it is designed to withstand quakes as high as level 7 on the Richter Scale. Built with a budget of Rs. 5,920 crore, it is estimated that the bridge will have a serviceable period of about 120 years. While construction began in 2002, its progress was slowed down due to the heavy rainfall in the region. It took 200 months to complete it. The bridge has brought road connectivity between Assam’s Dibrugarh and Dhemaji district. For rail connectivity, it has joined Lumding-Dibrugarh section and Rangia-Murkongselek section, lying to the north and south banks of Brahmaputra respectively.
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