Iconic Bridges: Pillars of New India's Infrastructure Transformation
Published: Jun 17, 2026
By TIOLCorplaws News Service
NEW DELHI, JUN 17, 2026: OVER the past 12 years, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dynamic guidance of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has delivered a series of iconic bridge projects that have transformed connectivity across India's various regions. These engineering marvels are not merely physical structures - they are powerful symbols of the Government's abiding commitment to infrastructure-led development, national integration, economic progress and inclusive growth. By connecting previously inaccessible regions, reducing travel time and enhancing logistical efficiency, these bridges have played a vital role in strengthening regional development and improving mobility.
Bridges: Marvels of Modern India
India is blessed with many rivers which are an integral part of people's life, culture and economy. It is no surprise that India also built some of the most magnificent bridges that span the mighty rivers. Bridges shape everyday life in ways most of us barely notice. They shorten distances that once took days to cross, open access to remote communities and withstand nature at its fiercest.
Among the countless bridges that form a vast network throughout the country, several key bridges exemplify the scale and vision of the infrastructure development in the country. Each one carries its own unique design and the human resolve to overcome difficult terrain. From arch bridges to the extradosed and cable-stayed bridges, the country takes pride in having constructed super-structures that showcase exemplary architecture and engineering brilliance.
Bridge over Brahmaputra River, Guwahati
The 1.49 km long ‘New' Saraighat Bridge over the mighty Brahmaputra River stands as a vital connector for the state of Assam, running parallel to the historic Old Saraighat Bridge. Its construction has significantly eased traffic congestion and ensured smoother movement for thousands of daily commuters. The bridge enhances travel between North and South Guwahati, while also strengthening movement along the East-West Corridor on NH-27.
Bridge over Chambal River, Kota
One of the iconic engineering marvels of India is the 6-lane single plane cable-stayed bridge across river Chambal in Kota, Rajasthan. With a length of 1.4 km, it is Rajasthan's first hanging bridge and was dedicated to the nation in August 2017.
The bridge is 30-metre-wide with 1.5-metre-wide footpaths on both sides. The stay cables are composed of individually sheathed strands having triple protection. The external cable ducts are capable of eliminating rain and wind-induced vibrations, enhancing strength and longevity of the structure.
One of the major highlights of the bridge is its environment and wildlife-friendly design. A stretch of nearly 300 metres of the six-lane bridge has been suspended with cables, avoiding any pier in the riverbed to protect the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the endangered gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle, and the Ganges River dolphin.
Bridge over Narmada River, Bharuch
The 1.34 km long Bridge is built over river Narmada on NH-8 in Bharuch, Gujarat. It is an extradosed bridge with one of the longest spans in the country, was open to traffic in March 2017 and was completed in a span of 34 months. The bridge is 20.8 metres wide with 3 metre footpath on either side of the structure. The bridge is part of Ahmedabad-Mumbai section of NH-8 in Baruch district of Gujarat and has provided impetus to speed, safety and economic development of the region.
Bridge over River Ganga, Bihar
The 1.8 km long six-lane bridge over the majestic river Ganga is located on the Aunta -Simaria section of NH-31 in the state of Bihar. The project features one of India's widest extradosed bridge designed with a single segmental structure having 34-metre-wide deck, over the river. With span lengths ranging from 57 meter to 115 metre and 70 metre cantilever arms, the structure exemplifies engineering excellence.
The bridge is constructed parallel to old Rajendra Setu, a two-lane rail-cum-road bridge built nearly seven decades ago. Age and extensive repairs rendered it inadequate for heavy vehicles, forcing them onto lengthy detours. The new six-lane extra-dosed bridge over river Ganga provides direct link between North & South Bihar and was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister in August 2025.
Dhola-Sadiya Bridge
The 9.15 km long Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, also known as the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, is a vital link between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, providing the first permanent road connection between northern Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Built as a beam bridge, it sweeps over the Lohit River, one of the Brahmaputra's major tributaries, connecting Dhola in Tinsukia district to Sadiya in the North. The Bridge is built to withstand load of 60-tonne military tanks, including the Indian Army's Arjun and T-72 models. This capability adds significant strategic value to the structure.
