India is the land of rivers, canals and lakes and thus, we have some amazing flyovers, bridges and expressways in the country. These bridges make our country the second biggest network of road transport globally, and they also make road trips a lot more fun.
Let us take a look at some of the most spectacular bridges in India:
Vidyasagar Setu/ Rabindra Setu
The Vidyasagar Setu is one of the defining structures of the contemporary Kolkata. Renamed as Rabindra Setu, after Rabindranath Tagore, this bridge located in Kolkata is India’s biggest cantilever bridge. The bridge links the city of Kolkata with the twin city of Howrah over the famous Hooghly River. The bridge is popularly known as Howrah Bridge or Second Hooghly Bridge. Vidyasagar Setu is one of the longest bridges in Asia and is the first of its kind in India. The two spans of this bridge are being supported by 182.88 meter long parallel wire cables.
Pamban Railway Bridge
Built on the Palk Strait, this is a famous railway bridge that links Rameswaram on Pambaram Island to the Indian mainland. The first sea bridge of India, Pamban Railway Bridge, enjoyed the status of India’s longest bridge till the Bandra – Worli Sea Link was opened in the year 2010. Mostly, this well-known rail bridge is a traditional bridge that rests on concrete piers; however, it features a double leaf bascule section midway that is raised to allow ships to smoothly pass through. The bridge is situated in the second most corrosive environment in the world, after Florida, and thus maintaining this bridge is a major challenge.
Bandra – Worli Sea Link
Bandra – Worli Sea Link is the face of post South Mumbai – a part of the planned Western Freeway that connects Nariman Point, which is the main business hub of the city to the Western suburbs of the city. The official name for the Bandra – Worli Sea Link is Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, and it’s one of its kind, constructed with concrete steel material. The Sea Link drastically reduces the travelling time between Worli and Bandra.
Mahatma Gandhi Setu
The longest river bridge in India, the Mahatma Gandhi Setu connects the state capital Patna to Hajipur in the north of Bihar. Gandhi Setu is 5.575 kilometre long and is one of the longest single river bridges in the world. The main aim of Mahatma Gandhi Setu is to connect the northern part of the state with the rest. The bridge provides some breathtaking view of the Ganga flowing underneath.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
An odd-one in our list – this is not a man-made structure but one of the most unique naturally formed structures that stands strongly since its inception. Yes, frequented by travellers from around the world, Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherapunjee, is a must visit. However, if you are faint-hearted then think twice before trekking till the bridge. After about 2000 slippery steps down the moss covered stairs, the bridge comes into one’s line of sight. This incredible bridge is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya and the first of its kind in the world.
Lakshman Jhula
One of the most fascinating structures in India, Lakshman Jhula, attracts a lot of visitors from across the country. This jute rope bridge has become the most prominent landmark in the pilgrimage town of Rishikesh. The 450-feet long bridge lies suspended over River Ganges by just a rope and connects Tehri and Pauri districts. Legend has it that as per Ramayana, Lakshmana crossed the Ganga by using just two jute ropes, and to honour his feat, this bridge was built at the same place.
If you haven’t been to these amusing structures yet, make sure you don’t miss these wonderful bridges on your future trips! Book your tickets to these destinations on Paytm, at the cheapest prices.
