Overwater bridges have always been significant in facilitating accessibility between places separated by large water bodies. Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, better known as Bhupen Hazarika Setu, is the longest overwater bridge of India.
Built over the Lohit River in Assam, this bridge not only connects two districts in the state of Assam but further provides a convenient link to Arunachal Pradesh as well. Here we discuss everything there is to know about Bhupen Hazarika Setu.
Important facts about Bhupen Hazarika Setu
Bhupen Hazarika Setu is named after the legendary singer, composer, lyricist and Bharat Ratna awardee from Assam. One of the termination points of the bridge is at Sadiya, from where Bhupen Hazarika hailed.
This is a beam bridge that spans a distance of 9.15 km. It is located over Lohit River that flows through Assam’s Tinsukia district. Also known as Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu links these two villages lying on either side of the river and is further connected to Arunachal Pradesh border.
The construction of this bridge commenced in 2011, and it was opened for public use six years later on 26 May 2017. This project was undertaken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in partnership with Navayuga Engineering Company. The approximate project cost is believed to be around Rs 1000 crore.
See also: Assam to build underwater tunnel under Brahmaputra River
Places accessible by Bhupen Hazarika Setu
Bhupen Hazarika Setu primarily connects Dhola and Sadiya villages in the south and north of Tinsukia district respectively. It has made the commute between the villages in the district lying on either side of Lohit River smoother than before.
Furthermore, it is also well-connected to Arunachal Pradesh border that lies near Sadiya, facilitating inter-state connectivity. Places in Arunachal Pradesh such as East Siang, Dibang Valley and Changlang are more accessible from Assam now.
What makes Bhupen Hazarika Setu significant?
Needless to say, Bhupen Hazarika Setu’s most evident significance lies in its length. At 9.15 km, it is currently the longest overwater bridge in India, surpassing the Bandra-Worli Sealink in Mumbai. However, it is soon supposed to be surpassed by the upcoming Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge in Bihar.
Bhupen Hazarika Setu has been key in facilitating smoother intra- and inter-state commute within Assam and with Arunachal Pradesh respectively. The completion of this bridge has led to a spike in tourism in the surrounding places as the Himalayan regions become accessible to more and more people.
More importantly, located so close to a politically and militarily charged international border, the construction of the bridge has been strategic in the transportation of assets and goods to the Indian Army. The ongoing dispute between India and China over the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh makes it a boon for defence personnels in the region.
Impact on real estate
Since it was opened to the public, Bhupen Hazarika Setu has been widely used by tourists exploring the Himalayan region. The increase in tourist activities has, in turn, led to an increase in the flourishing of other related commercial activities in the region. This has been a key factor in determining real estate value here.
The bridge will further facilitate the growth of commercial activities in the region by providing smoother transport facilities as and when the need for it arises. All these factors look very promising for the growth of real estate activities in the surrounding regions.
FAQs
What is the length of Bhupen Hazarika Setu?
Bhupen Hazarika Setu covers a distance of 9.15 km over water.
Is Bhupen Hazarika Setu the longest overwater bridge in India?
Yes, Bhupen Hazarika Setu is currently the longest overwater bridge in India, soon to be surpassed by the upcoming Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge in Bihar.
What material is Bhupen Hazarika Setu built with?
Bhupen Hazarika Setu is a beam bridge with a pucca asphalt road for vehicles.
Which places does Bhupen Hazarika Setu link to?
Also known as Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu links these two villages in the Tinsukia district in Assam.
Which river is Bhupen Hazarika Setu built on?
Bhupen Hazarika Setu stretches from Dhola to Sadiya over Lohit River.
When was Bhupen Hazarika Setu opened to the public?
The bridge was inaugurated for the public on 26 May 2017 and has been operational since then.
How is Bhupen Hazarika Setu militarily important?
Being located close to the politically disputed Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, Bhupen Hazarika Setu is an important link to transport assets and goods during militarily charged times.
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Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
