Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the ‘Sudarshan Setu’ during his visit to Gujarat, marking the commencement of various development projects across the country.
Sudarshan Setu: The Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge
- Location: Situated in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district, the ‘Sudarshan Setu’ spans the Arabian Sea, connecting Beyt Dwarka island to mainland Okha.
- Length: It holds the distinction of being the country’s longest cable-stayed bridge, extending over 2.32 kilometers.
- Design Features: The bridge’s unique design incorporates a footpath embellished with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and depictions of Lord Krishna.
- Sustainable Element: Solar panels installed along the footpath contribute to the generation of one megawatt of electricity.
- Cost and Construction: Constructed at a cost of Rs 979 crore, it includes a 900-meter central double-span cable-stayed section and a 2.45-kilometer approach road.
Importance of Sudarshan Setu
- Enhanced Connectivity: Previously, travel to Beyt Dwarka was limited to daylight hours via boat. The bridge’s construction facilitates round-the-clock access for devotees visiting the renowned Dwarkadhish temple.
Prime Minister’s Visit and Activities
- Dwarka Visit: Following the inauguration, PM Modi paid a visit to Dwarka town where he offered prayers at the Dwarkadhish temple and addressed a large gathering.
- Project Inaugurations: Additional projects across Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, and Porbandar districts were inaugurated during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where is the ‘Sudarshan Setu’ located?
- A) Mumbai
- B) Kerala
- C) Gujarat
- D) Maharashtra
- Answer: C) Gujarat
- What is the length of the ‘Sudarshan Setu’?
- A) 1.5 kilometers
- B) 2.32 kilometers
- C) 3 kilometers
- D) 2 kilometers
- Answer: B) 2.32 kilometers
- What unique features adorn the footpath of the Sudarshan Setu?
- A) Images of famous personalities
- B) Verses from the Quran
- C) Verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna
- D) Graffiti art
- Answer: C) Verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna
- How much electricity is generated by the solar panels installed on the Sudarshan Setu?
- A) 500 kilowatts
- B) 750 kilowatts
- C) 1 megawatt
- D) 1.5 megawatts
- Answer: C) 1 megawatt
- What is the primary benefit of the Sudarshan Setu’s construction?
- A) Economic stimulation
- B) Environmental conservation
- C) Enhanced connectivity for temple visitors
- D) Urban development
- Answer: C) Enhanced connectivity for temple visitors