Nitin Gadkari Unveils Karnataka's Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge
Inauguration of Major Infrastructure Projects
On Sunday, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated and laid the foundation for several key infrastructure initiatives in Karnataka. Among these is the Kalasavali-Ambaragondlu Bridge, which now holds the title of Karnataka's longest and India's second longest cable-stayed bridge.
Spanning six kilometers, this bridge has been constructed at an investment of ₹472 crore. It aims to enhance connectivity for rural regions in Sagar and Hosanagar talukas, facilitating easier access to significant religious sites such as Sigandur Chowdeshwari and Kollur Mookambika.
Details of the Sharavati Bridge
Inaugurated India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge—the 6-km-long Sharavathi Bridge in Karnataka—built at a cost of ₹472 crore to enhance regional connectivity and boost mobility across the Malnad region.#PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti pic.twitter.com/ES4VQoGeRx
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 14, 2025
Constructed over the Sharavati reservoir, which was established in the 1960s and submerged numerous villages, the bridge replaces an inadequate barge service that was limited to daytime operations. The project received approval in March 2019, with construction commencing in December of the same year.
The bridge was built by Dilip Buildcon Limited from Madhya Pradesh and is recognized as the eighth extra-dosed cable-stayed and balanced cantilever bridge sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Bridge Specifications
Bridge Features
- Width of 16 meters, featuring an 11-meter carriageway and 1.5-meter footpaths on either side.
- 1 km approach road leading to Sagar and a 3 km approach towards Sigandur.
- Comprises 604 box girders, 164 piles (1.8 meters in diameter), 96 cables, and 4 pylons.
- Incorporates spherical bearings to enhance structural integrity.
Impact on Local Development and Tourism
The completion of this bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time for residents, boost tourism, and stimulate economic activities in the region. It will also eliminate reliance on the outdated ferry service, ensuring smoother traffic flow.