• Source:JND
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Karnataka News: The longest cable-stayed bridge in the state, spanning the backwaters of the River Sharavathi, is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated within the next couple of months. This significant infrastructure project connects Ambaragodlu and Tumari in the Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district.

According to a Deccan Herald report, currently workers are busy asphalting the 2.44-kilometre-long bridge, with additional tasks such as painting scheduled for completion by May. The inauguration is anticipated to take place in the last week of May or the first week of June. The total cost of the bridge project is approximately Rs 423 crore. Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra plans to visit Delhi soon to arrange a suitable date for the inauguration with Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, who laid the foundation stone for the bridge on February 19, 2018.

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Once open, the bridge will likely end the reliance on launches (large ferries) that have historically served as the primary mode of transport for local residents. This new route will significantly benefit those travelling to Sigandur Chowdeshwari temple, as it will eliminate the need for long ferry rides. Previously, the journey from Sigandur or Tumari to Sagar town required around 80 km of road travel; the new bridge is expected to cut that distance in half. Additionally, it will drastically reduce the travel time between Kollur in Udupi district and Sagar.

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The Deccan Herald report cited Peer Pasha, the officer in charge of the bridge project as stating that cable stressing is essential to ensure the structure can support vehicles weighing up to 80 tonnes. He added that trial runs would not be necessary since construction vehicles have already been using the bridge. The bridge is built on 17 piers and two abutments, in contrast to conventional bridges that typically require around 100 piers. Cable-stayed bridges offer greater structural stiffness, with diagonal cables transferring loads from the deck to the towers.

MP Raghavendra expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Gadkari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their support in funding the project. He also mentioned plans to promote cruise tourism in the backwaters of Sharavathi, stating that efforts are underway to develop this initiative further.