On July 15, 2025, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge at Sigandur in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka, marking a significant milestone in India's rapidly expanding infrastructure landscape. The bridge, which spans the Sharavathi backwaters between Ambaragodlu and Kalasavalli in Sagara taluk, was constructed at a cost of Rs. 472 crore (US$ 54.88 million) and represents a vital leap forward in enhancing regional connectivity and economic development.

The newly inaugurated cable-stayed bridge is a game-changer for Karnataka’s inland connectivity, especially in rural and pilgrimage areas. The project is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Sagara town and nearby villages, especially benefitting devotees traveling to the Chowdeshwari temple in Sigandur. Prior to the bridge’s construction, residents and pilgrims had to rely on coracles and ferry services to cross the Sharavathi backwaters, a practice dating back to the 1960s after the construction of the Linganmakki dam.

Mr. Gadkari, while addressing the inauguration ceremony, highlighted that the completion of the Sigandur bridge is a testament to the central government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development in tier-2 and tier-3 regions. The bridge not only enhances last-mile connectivity but also plays a vital role in fostering regional economic integration and rural upliftment.

Joining Mr. Gadkari at the event were Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Pralhad Joshi, and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr. B. S. Yediyurappa. The presence of key political figures at the ceremony underlines the strategic and cultural importance of the project for both the central and state governments.

The Sigandur bridge stands as an architectural and engineering marvel, incorporating cable-stayed technology to withstand the region’s topographical and hydrological challenges. This makes it a model project under India’s growing network of modern transport infrastructure, especially as the nation aims to create world-class connectivity standards.

The bridge serves as a lifeline for thousands of residents across villages that were previously disconnected due to the backwater spread from Linganmakki dam. These communities have long been deprived of direct road access, impacting education, healthcare, trade, and religious tourism. With the bridge now operational, local commuters, farmers, small traders, and temple visitors are set to benefit enormously.

Apart from its functional value, the bridge is poised to transform the tourism landscape in and around Sigandur. The Chowdeshwari temple, a prominent spiritual destination in Karnataka, is expected to witness a sharp rise in footfalls owing to the seamless connectivity offered by the bridge. Tour operators, hospitality businesses, and local artisans will also likely see increased economic activity in the coming months.

Mr. Gadkari reiterated the government's larger vision of “Gati Shakti”, the National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity, under which this bridge was completed. He emphasized how such landmark projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda of inclusive growth and infrastructure-led development.

The minister also outlined that the Sharavathi bridge is just one of many ambitious road and transport projects underway across Karnataka and India. With several expressways, economic corridors, and rural road revitalization projects in the pipeline, the country is on course to become a global leader in infrastructure development.

The engineering complexity of the second-longest cable-stayed bridge involved advanced planning and innovative construction techniques, with a design that ensures structural resilience, aesthetic appeal, and eco-sensitive execution. Special attention was given to ensuring that the construction did not adversely affect the backwater ecosystem, showcasing a balance between development and sustainability.

Moreover, the project saw the involvement of local labour, state engineers, and public-private partnerships, contributing to job creation and technical skill development within the region. This aligns with the government’s vision of Make in India and Skill India, ensuring that such landmark developments also empower the local economy beyond infrastructure.

The inauguration of the bridge is also significant from a regional political standpoint, coming at a time when infrastructure and connectivity have become central themes in state-level development discourse. The bridge is likely to emerge as a symbol of transformation for Shivamogga and neighbouring districts, paving the way for future developmental investments in this part of Karnataka.

In addition, it supports the State Highway and Rural Road Development Missions, contributing to the seamless movement of goods and services, thereby reducing transportation costs, improving logistics efficiency, and fostering integrated regional development.

The Sigandur cable-stayed bridge is expected to:

• Reduce commute time by over 50% between Sagara and Sigandur;

• Facilitate the daily movement of more than 10,000 commuters;

• Provide year-round access even during monsoon when ferry services are suspended;

• Strengthen rural–urban linkages that enhance access to education and healthcare;

• Drive tourism growth at the Chowdeshwari temple and adjacent eco-tourist spots;

• Offer emergency response connectivity, ensuring faster relief during medical or weather-related crises.

This transformative project showcases India’s continued commitment to infrastructure innovation, rural upliftment, and inclusive mobility solutions. With the inauguration of India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge, the Shivamogga region is now better connected, more prosperous, and prepared for a new chapter of economic and social development.

As India accelerates toward its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, such iconic infrastructure milestones play a pivotal role in making connectivity more inclusive, pilgrimage easier, and villages more integrated with national growth trajectories.

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