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Longest Bridge in India: Looking for the Top 10 Longest Bridges in India? Check out our list of the most remarkable and longest bridges you must see in India. India features a collection of some of the most exceptional infrastructure achievements globally, with its remarkable bridges standing out. These structures highlight not only the importance of transportation but also India’s engineering excellence and its talent for large-scale project execution.
India’s Longest Bridge 2024: Atal Setu
In 2024, the Atal Setu is India’s longest bridge, showcasing impressive engineering skills. Officially called the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, this 21.8 km (13.5 mi) bridge has a six-lane expressway that links Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. As the longest bridge in India, the Atal Setu marks a major step forward in infrastructure. It improves travel between these two cities and supports economic development in the Mumbai area.
Top 10 Longest Bridge in India, Updated List
S. No. | Bridge Name | Length | Year of Inauguration | Location | Connecting Places |
1 | Atal Setu Bridge | 21.8 km | 2024 | Arabian Sea | Mumbai with Navi Mumbai |
1 | Dhola-Sadiya Bridge | 9.15 km | 2017 | Lohit River | Assam and Arunachal Pradesh |
2 | Dibang River Bridge | 6.2 km | 2018 | Dibang River | Arunachal Pradesh |
3 | Mahatma Gandhi Setu | 5.75 km | 1982 | Ganga River | South Patna to Hajipur |
4 | Bandra-Worli Sea Link | 5.57 km | 2009 | Mahim Bay | Bandra to Worli (South Mumbai) |
5 | Bogibeel Bridge | 4.94 km | 2018 | Brahmaputra River | Dhemaji to Dibrugarh |
6 | Vikramshila Setu | 4.70 km | 2001 | Ganga River | Bhagalpur to Naugachia |
7 | Vembanad Rail Bridge | 4.62 km | 2011 | Vembanad Lake | Edappally to Vallarpadam |
8 | Digha-Sonpur Bridge | 4.55 km | 2016 | Ganga River | Digha, Patna to Sonpur, Saran |
9 | Arrah-Chhapra Bridge | 4.35 km | 2017 | Ganga River | Arrah to Chhapra |
10 | Godavari Bridge | 4.13 km | 2015 | Godavari River | Kovvur to Rajahmundry |
11 | Munger Ganga Bridge | 3.75 km | 2020 | Ganges River | Munger to Jamalpur |
12 | Chahlari Ghat Bridge | 3.25 km | 2017 | Ghagra River | Bahraich to Sitapur |
13 | Jawahar Setu | 3.06 km | 1965 | Son River | Delhi to Son Nagar |
14 | Nehru Setu | 3.05 km | 1900 | Son River | Dehri to Son Nagar |
15 | Koila Bhomora Setu | 3.01 km | 1987 | Brahmaputra River | Tezpur to Kaliabor |
The Top 10 Longest Bridges in India: Engineering Marvels Connecting the Nation
India’s infrastructure development has seen remarkable progress with the construction of massive bridges spanning across rivers, seas, and challenging terrains. These longest bridges in India not only showcase engineering excellence but also play a crucial role in improving connectivity and boosting economic growth. Let’s explore India’s top 10 longest bridges that stand as testament to the country’s infrastructure achievements.
1. Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya Bridge) – India’s Longest Bridge
Length: 9.15 km
Location: Assam to Arunachal Pradesh
Completed: 2017
Type: River bridge across Brahmaputra
The magnificent Bhupen Hazarika Setu, widely known as the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, proudly holds the title of the longest river bridge in India. This engineering marvel spans across the mighty Brahmaputra River, creating a vital connection between Dhola in Assam and Sadiya in Arunachal Pradesh. As the longest bridge in Northeast India, it significantly reduces travel time from 6 hours to just 1 hour between these locations.
This strategic infrastructure project serves dual purposes – enhancing civilian transportation and strengthening military logistics along the Indo-China border. Built at a cost of ₹2,056 crore, this 3-lane bridge can withstand the weight of 60-ton battle tanks, highlighting its importance for national security.
2. Mahatma Gandhi Setu – Historic Longest Bridge Over Ganges
Length: 5.75 km
Location: Bihar (Patna to Hajipur)
Completed: 1982
Type: River bridge across Ganges
The iconic Mahatma Gandhi Setu stands as one of the longest river bridges in Bihar, spanning the sacred Ganges River. Before the construction of Bhupen Hazarika Setu, it held the record as India’s longest river bridge for 35 years. Connecting the state capital Patna to Hajipur, this vital transportation link facilitates daily movement of thousands of vehicles.
Recently renovated with modern technology, this historic bridge remains crucial for economic development in Bihar, linking North and South Bihar regions and improving accessibility to remote areas that were previously difficult to reach.
3. Bandra-Worli Sea Link – Mumbai’s Iconic Sea Bridge
Length: 5.6 km
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Completed: 2009
Type: Cable-stayed sea bridge
The breathtaking Bandra-Worli Sea Link (officially Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link) stands as one of the most famous bridges in Maharashtra and a symbol of modern Mumbai. This spectacular cable-stayed bridge spans across the Arabian Sea, connecting Mumbai’s suburban Bandra to the business district of Worli.
This architectural marvel has transformed Mumbai’s transportation, reducing travel time from 60-90 minutes to just 10 minutes. Featured in numerous Bollywood films and advertisements, this iconic landmark attracts tourists and photography enthusiasts who come to capture Mumbai’s stunning skyline alongside this engineering masterpiece.
4. Vivekananda Setu – Crucial Hooghly River Crossing
Length: 5.5 km
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Completed: 1992
Type: River bridge across Hooghly
The impressive Vivekananda Setu serves as one of the longest bridges in West Bengal, spanning the Hooghly River to connect Kolkata with Howrah. This vital infrastructure facilitates smoother traffic flow in the busy metropolitan area, serving as an essential transportation corridor for daily commuters.
Named after the revered spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, this bridge not only improves urban mobility but also has cultural significance for the region. Its robust design allows it to withstand the challenging river conditions and heavy traffic volumes typical of this densely populated area.
5. Mahanadi Bridge – Odisha’s Lifeline River Crossing
Length: 4.7 km
Location: Odisha (Cuttack to Nimapada)
Completed: 2000
Type: River bridge across Mahanadi
The extensive Mahanadi Bridge ranks among the longest bridges in Eastern India, crossing the mighty Mahanadi River to connect Cuttack and Nimapada in Odisha. This critical infrastructure serves as a lifeline for local communities, facilitating trade and accessibility between previously isolated regions.
With its durable construction designed to withstand seasonal floods, this bridge demonstrates India’s engineering capabilities in challenging geographical environments. The bridge has significantly contributed to regional development by improving transportation efficiency and economic opportunities.
6. Pamban Bridge – India’s First and Oldest Sea Bridge
Length: 2.3 km
Location: Tamil Nadu (Mainland to Rameswaram Island)
Completed: 1914
Type: Sea bridge with railway line
The historic Pamban Bridge holds the distinction of being India’s oldest sea bridge and an engineering marvel of colonial India. Connecting the Indian mainland to Rameswaram Island across the Palk Strait, this bridge showcases exceptional engineering from an era before modern construction technology.
What makes this bridge particularly unique is its manual lift section that can be raised to allow boats and small ships to pass underneath. This heritage structure has withstood powerful cyclones and harsh marine conditions for over a century, attracting history enthusiasts and railway heritage tourists from across the world.
7. Digha-Sonpur Bridge – Strategic Ganges Crossing
Length: 4.5 km
Location: Bihar (Patna to Sonpur)
Completed: 2016
Type: Combined rail and road bridge
The Digha-Sonpur Bridge represents one of the longest rail-cum-road bridges in India, spanning the Ganges River to connect Patna with Sonpur in Bihar. This multi-purpose bridge serves both railway and road traffic, making it an important infrastructure asset for the region.
The dual functionality of this bridge has enhanced connectivity for millions of residents in Bihar’s rural areas, providing crucial transportation links for agricultural products and improving access to healthcare and education. Its construction required innovative engineering solutions to address the challenges posed by the river’s changing course and monsoon floods.
8. Narmada Bridge – Western India’s Engineering Marvel
Length: 2.2 km
Location: Gujarat
Completed: 1998
Type: River bridge across Narmada
The impressive Narmada Bridge stands as one of the major bridges in Gujarat, spanning the sacred Narmada River. This crucial infrastructure link has strengthened connectivity within the industrially important state of Gujarat, facilitating economic growth and development.
Built with advanced engineering techniques to withstand seismic activities common in this region, the bridge demonstrates India’s commitment to creating durable and safe transportation infrastructure. It serves as a vital link for goods transport and has contributed significantly to regional economic prosperity.
9. Yamuna Expressway Bridge – North India’s Strategic Connector
Length: 2.5 km
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Completed: 2012
Type: Expressway bridge across Yamuna
The modern Yamuna Expressway Bridge forms an integral part of the major expressway bridges in North India, connecting the national capital Delhi to the tourist city of Agra. This bridge exemplifies India’s progress in creating world-class road infrastructure to support economic growth.
Built with cutting-edge construction technology and materials, this bridge facilitates high-speed travel and has significantly reduced travel time between major urban centers. It serves millions of tourists heading to the Taj Mahal annually and supports freight transport across the industrialized belt of western Uttar Pradesh.
10. Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link – Mumbai’s Coastal Connection
Length: 1.2 km
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Completed: 2000
Type: Sea bridge connecting Bandra to Versova
The Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link (distinct from the Bandra-Worli Sea Link) represents one of Mumbai’s important coastal bridges, linking Bandra to Versova along the Arabian Sea coast. This infrastructure project has helped decongest Mumbai’s notoriously busy roads by providing an alternative route for commuters.
The bridge showcases coastal engineering excellence, designed to withstand marine conditions while providing reliable transportation. It has contributed to urban development along Mumbai’s western coastline and improved quality of life for suburban residents by reducing commute times.
Infrastructure Impact: Beyond Engineering Achievements
These longest bridges in India deliver far more than impressive statistics – they transform lives and economies in multiple ways:
Regional Connectivity and Development
- Remote area accessibility: Previously isolated regions now connected to economic centers
- Rural development: Enhanced access to markets, healthcare, and education for rural communities
- Tourism growth: Major bridges becoming attractions themselves while facilitating tourist movement
Economic Benefits of India’s Longest Bridges
- Trade facilitation: Faster movement of goods reducing transportation costs
- Business expansion: New enterprises emerging in previously inaccessible areas
- Property value appreciation: Areas near major bridges seeing increased land values
- Job creation: Direct employment during construction and indirect jobs through economic growth
Strategic Importance
- Border security enhancement: Bridges like Bhupen Hazarika Setu supporting faster troop movement
- Disaster management: Improved evacuation routes during floods and natural calamities
- National integration: Physical connectivity strengthening cultural and economic ties between regions
Bridge Construction Technology in India
The construction of India’s longest bridges involves sophisticated engineering methods and technologies:
Advanced Construction Techniques
- Segmental construction: Prefabricated sections assembled on-site
- Cantilever construction: Building outward from central supports
- Foundation engineering: Deep foundations in challenging river beds and marine environments
Materials Innovation
- High-performance concrete: Specially formulated for durability in extreme conditions
- Structural steel: Advanced alloys for superior strength-to-weight ratios
- Corrosion-resistant technologies: Protecting bridges in marine and humid environments
Monitoring and Maintenance Systems
- Structural health monitoring: Sensors detecting stress, strain, and structural integrity
- Weather monitoring stations: Real-time data on wind speed and environmental conditions
- Traffic management systems: Monitoring and controlling vehicle flow and weight
Future Bridge Projects in India
India’s infrastructure vision includes even more ambitious bridge projects:
Upcoming Megaprojects
- Mumbai Trans-Harbor Link: 22 km sea bridge connecting Mumbai with Navi Mumbai (under construction)
- Dibang River Bridge: Expected to become the new longest bridge in India upon completion
- New Brahmaputra Bridges: Multiple projects planned to improve Northeast India connectivity
- Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Bridges: Several major river crossings along this economic corridor
Technological Innovations in Future Bridges
- Self-healing concrete: Materials that repair minor cracks automatically
- Solar-powered bridges: Integrated renewable energy generation
- Smart bridge technologies: AI-powered monitoring and maintenance prediction
- Climate-resilient designs: Adapted for extreme weather events due to climate change
Is Atal Setu the Longest Bridge?
Atal Setu is the longest and biggest sea bridge in India. This impressive 6-lane bridge stretches about 16.5 kilometers over the sea and around 5.5 kilometers on land. Recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Atal Setu will make travel easier and faster between Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and other parts of South India.
Longest Bridge in India FAQs
Which is the longest bridge in India?
The title of the longest bridge in India currently belongs to the Atal Setu. Spanning an impressive length of 21.8 kilometers (13.5 miles), this bridge is not only the longest bridge in India but also the longest sea bridge in the country. Located in the state of Goa, the Atal Setu connects the mainland with the islands across the Mandovi River. This state-of-the-art infrastructure project enhances connectivity between important destinations, significantly reducing travel time to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Can You Name the Longest Suspension Bridge in India?
The Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, also known as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, is the longest suspension bridge in India. Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, this bridge spans 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) across the Arabian Sea, facilitating faster travel between Bandra and Worli.
Where is the longest bridge in the world?
China's Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge holds the record as the world's longest bridge. Measuring about 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles), it surpasses all other bridges in length.
What is the length of Atal Setu bridge?
The Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India, stretching 21.8 kilometers (13.5 miles). It includes 16.5 kilometers (10.2 miles) over the sea and 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) on land. Built at a cost of over ₹17,840 crore, it connects important locations and improves travel to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airports.
Who built the Atal Setu bridge?
The Atal Setu bridge was built by the Indian construction and engineering firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T). This prestigious project, which was inaugurated in January 2022, involved advanced engineering techniques and was named in honor of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. L&T was responsible for the design, construction, and successful completion of this landmark infrastructure project in Goa.