Daijiworld Media Network – Shivamogga

Shivamogga, July 14: In a major infrastructure milestone for coastal and Malnad regions, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday inaugurated India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge across the Sharavathi backwaters in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district.

The bridge, located between Ambargodlu and Kalasavalli, is set to dramatically cut travel time between Udupi and Sagar, boosting regional connectivity and development.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 472 crore, the 2.44-km-long, 16-metre-wide bridge links remote villages previously separated by the Sharavathi reservoir. With this new link, commuters from the Udupi coast heading to interior Karnataka—especially Sagar and Hosanagar—can now avoid a 100-km detour through rugged terrain and instead use a direct, reliable route.

Despite the significance of the project, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other state ministers were notably absent. The CM later stated he was informed late and had prior engagements. He urged better coordination between the Centre and state for such high-profile inaugurations.

Bridge that reconnects a divided region

The new bridge restores a critical link disrupted since the construction of the Linganamakki Dam in the 1970s, which submerged key land corridors and left many communities isolated. With no proper bridge over the backwaters, villagers often relied on boats or had to make long road detours to reach taluk centres.

The structure now offers seamless connectivity to the historic Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple and other destinations like Kollur, while reducing hardship for locals who’ve waited decades for better access.

Engineering feat with national significance

Approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in March 2019, the bridge was built by Dilip Buildcon Ltd and uses advanced extradosed cable-stayed and balanced cantilever technology. It is the eighth such bridge in the country.

Key specifications:

• 740 metres of cable-supported span

• 17 pylons ranging from 30 to 55 metres in height

• 604 box girders

• 164 piles (1.8 metres in diameter)

• 96 cables across four pylons

• Two-lane carriageway with 1.5-metre-wide footpaths on both sides

The foundation design was optimized to reduce the number of supporting pillars from 80 to just 19, spaced up to 177 metres apart, showcasing innovative engineering.

BJP leaders attend, CM’s absence sparks buzz

The event was attended by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, former CM B S Yediyurappa, BJP State President B Y Vijayendra, MP B Y Raghavendra, and several MLAs and former ministers. Locals credited their persistent efforts in securing central approval and funds for the project.

Boost to economy, tourism, and daily life

The bridge is expected to accelerate economic activity in Sagar and Hosanagar taluks, promote religious tourism, and improve the overall quality of life for thousands. For residents long cut off from basic infrastructure, the Sigandur bridge is not just a crossing—it's a lifeline.