- By Nidhi Giri
- Sun, 30 Mar 2025 07:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka’s Longest Inland Bridge: The Sigandur Bridge, also known as the Ambaragodlu-Kalasavalli Bridge, is set to open by the end of May or the first week of June. Spanning 2.1 km across the Sharavathi River in Sagar taluk, this bridge will be Karnataka’s largest inland crossing.
The project, which began in 2018, was initiated by former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and MP BY Raghavendra. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone at Holebagilu. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 456.6 crore, with Rs 378.3 crore allocated for the bridge itself, as per a report by TOI.
The bridge, built using a pile foundation and a balanced cantilever design, features a 740-metre cable-stayed section. It has two lanes with pedestrian walkways. Out of 604 pre-cast segments, only two remain to be installed, and the final work is expected to be completed by the end of March.
Peer Pasha, a retired NHAI engineer, stated that this is Karnataka’s first and longest inland extradosed balanced cantilever cable-stayed bridge. Once operational, it will cut travel time between Sagar and Sigandur by nearly two hours, replacing the current barge system, which often causes delays during peak seasons.
Situated on NH-369E, the bridge links Avinagalli to Marakutika via Holebagilu, Kalasavalli, and Sigandur, acting as a secondary route to NH-69. The existing barges will not be removed but will be handed over to the tourism department for emergency use.
With the monsoon season approaching, pressure is mounting on the Union government to ensure timely completion. MP BY Raghavendra is expected to meet Nitin Gadkari in Delhi soon to finalise the inauguration schedule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may attend the event virtually, while Gadkari and other key dignitaries are likely to be present in Sagar for the official launch.