List of Longest Bridges in India shows how the country has turned its mighty rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari, and Yamuna into pathways of connection instead of obstacles. These rivers are lifelines of the nation, making the land fertile and supporting millions of people, but they also act as natural barriers for transport, trade, and communication. To overcome these challenges, India has constructed some of the largest and most advanced bridges in Asia.
The longest bridges in India are not just about their length or design; they represent progress, unity, and national growth. They make travel easier for students, workers, farmers, and traders, while also playing a vital role in defense and emergency needs. The list of longest bridges in India highlights how modern engineering connects distant regions, strengthens the economy, and brings people closer together.
Why the List of Longest Bridges in India is Important
Before exploring the actual list, it is important to understand why long bridges matter so much:
- Connectivity: They link villages, towns, and cities across wide rivers.
- Trade & Economy: Goods like food, raw materials, and manufactured items move quickly across states.
- Defense: Some bridges are near international borders and help the Indian Army transport troops and equipment.
- Tourism: Bridges across scenic rivers often become attractions.
- Engineering Pride: They show India’s growing capability in infrastructure.
List of Longest Bridges in India
Here is a detailed look at the longest bridges in India, including their length, location, and importance.
1. Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola–Sadiya Bridge), Assam
- Length: 9.15 km (longest in India)
- Location: Connects Dhola (Assam) to Sadiya (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Year of Inauguration: 2017
- Importance: Named after Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, this bridge helps connect Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It is close to the India-China border, making it important for defense.
2. Dibang River Bridge, Arunachal Pradesh
- Length: 6.2 km
- Location: Across the Dibang River in eastern Arunachal Pradesh
- Year of Inauguration: 2018
- Importance: The second-longest bridge in India, built to improve road connectivity in remote and border regions.
3. Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Bihar
- Length: 5.75 km
- Location: Over the Ganga River, connecting Patna and Hajipur
- Year of Inauguration: 1982
- Importance: For a long time, it was the longest bridge in India. It connects north and south Bihar and carries thousands of vehicles daily.
4. Bogibeel Bridge, Assam
- Length: 4.94 km
- Location: Across the Brahmaputra River
- Year of Inauguration: 2018
- Importance: India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge. It has two levels—one for trains and one for vehicles. It is very important for both civilians and the army.
5. Vikramshila Setu, Bihar
- Length: 4.7 km
- Location: Across the Ganga River, connecting Bhagalpur and Naugachia
- Importance: It helps connect north and south Bihar, reducing travel time for locals and goods transport.
6. Vembanad Rail Bridge, Kerala
- Length: 4.62 km
- Location: Connects Edappally and Vallarpadam
- Year of Inauguration: 2011
- Importance: This is the longest railway bridge in India. It is mainly used to transport goods to Kochi port.
7. Digha–Sonpur Rail-Cum-Road Bridge, Bihar
- Length: 4.55 km
- Location: Connects Digha Ghat (Patna) with Pahleja Ghat (Sonpur)
- Importance: Another rail-cum-road bridge that plays an important role in Bihar’s connectivity.
8. Arrah–Chhapra Bridge (Veer Kunwar Singh Setu), Bihar
- Length: 4.35 km
- Location: Across the Ganga River, connecting Arrah and Chhapra
- Importance: Named after the freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh. It helps people travel between Bhojpur and Saran districts.
9. Godavari Bridge, Andhra Pradesh
- Length: 4.13 km
- Location: Across the Godavari River near Rajahmundry
- Year of Inauguration: 1974
- Importance: One of the oldest long bridges in India, it serves as a key link in Andhra Pradesh.
10. Munger Ganga Bridge, Bihar
- Length: 3.75 km
- Location: Connects Jamalpur (Munger) to Barauni over the Ganga River
- Importance: A rail-cum-road bridge that makes transport easier for trains and vehicles in eastern Bihar.
Comparative Table: List of Longest Bridges in India
| Rank | Bridge Name | State | Length (km) | Type | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhupen Hazarika Setu | Assam/Arunachal | 9.15 | Road | 2017 |
| 2 | Dibang River Bridge | Arunachal Pradesh | 6.2 | Road | 2018 |
| 3 | Mahatma Gandhi Setu | Bihar | 5.75 | Road | 1982 |
| 4 | Bogibeel Bridge | Assam | 4.94 | Road + Rail | 2018 |
| 5 | Vikramshila Setu | Bihar | 4.7 | Road | 2001 |
| 6 | Vembanad Rail Bridge | Kerala | 4.62 | Rail | 2011 |
| 7 | Digha–Sonpur Bridge | Bihar | 4.55 | Road + Rail | 2016 |
| 8 | Arrah–Chhapra Bridge | Bihar | 4.35 | Road | 2017 |
| 9 | Godavari Bridge | Andhra Pradesh | 4.13 | Road + Rail | 1974 |
| 10 | Munger Ganga Bridge | Bihar | 3.75 | Road + Rail | 2016 |
Upcoming Bridges to Join the List of Longest Bridges in India
India is still building new and longer bridges. Some upcoming projects are:
- Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur Bridge (Bihar): Expected to be 9.7 km long, longer than the Bhupen Hazarika Setu.
- New Brahmaputra Bridges (Assam): Several projects are planned to connect remote areas of Northeast India.
- Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL): At 21.8 km, this sea bridge will be the longest in India once fully completed.
The list of longest bridges in India highlights the country’s progress in infrastructure and engineering. These bridges are more than just concrete and steel—they are lifelines for millions of people. From Bhupen Hazarika Setu in Assam to Vembanad Rail Bridge in Kerala, every bridge has its own importance in connecting India’s culture, trade, defense, and people.
FAQs on List of Longest Bridges in India
Q1. What is the longest bridge in India?
The Bhupen Hazarika Setu in Assam (9.15 km).
Q2. Which is the longest railway bridge in India?
The Vembanad Rail Bridge in Kerala (4.62 km).
Q3. Which bridge was the longest before Bhupen Hazarika Setu?
The Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Bihar (5.75 km).
Q4. Which upcoming bridge will become the longest in India?
The Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur Bridge in Bihar (9.7 km, under construction).
Q5. Which state has the maximum number of long bridges?
Bihar has the most long bridges in India.
Q6. Which is the longest bridge in Northeast India?
The Bhupen Hazarika Setu in Assam.
Q7. What makes Bogibeel Bridge unique?
It is India’s longest road-cum-rail bridge (4.94 km).
Q8. Why are bridges important for India’s growth?
They improve connectivity, trade, tourism, and defense readiness.
Q9. What is the length of Mahatma Gandhi Setu?
It is 5.75 km long, connecting Patna with Hajipur.
Q10. Which is the oldest bridge among the longest in India?
The Godavari Bridge in Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated in 1974.
