Bridges are more than just physical structures; they are the lifelines of a nation’s economy and security. In India, the engineering community has achieved monumental success by constructing complex roadways, sea links, and rail-cum-road bridges that span vast water bodies and challenging terrains. These structures facilitate the smooth movement of goods and passengers while serving as critical strategic assets for defense logistics, especially in frontier regions.
As of 2026, India’s infrastructure landscape features several “mega-bridges” that have revolutionized travel times and regional productivity.
The Longest Bridge in India: Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Setu
The Dhola–Sadiya Bridge, officially inaugurated as the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Setu, remains the Longest Bridge in India over water.
- Length:15 Kilometers
- River: Lohit River (a major tributary of the Brahmaputra)
- Connectivity: It links the village of Dhola in Assam’s Tinsukia district to the town of Sadiya, near the Arunachal Pradesh border.
- Strategic Impact: Opened in May 2017, the bridge reduced the travel distance between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh by 165 km, saving nearly 5 hours of journey time. It is designed to facilitate the rapid movement of heavy military equipment, including tanks, toward the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Comprehensive List of the Top 10 Longest Bridges in India (2026)
The following table details the most significant bridges in India, ranked by their total length:
| Rank | Name of the Bridge | Length (km) | Opened | Connectivity | Location / Water Body |
| 1 | Dhola Sadiya Bridge | 9.15 | 2017 | Assam & Arunachal Pradesh | Lohit River, Tinsukia |
| 2 | Dibang River Bridge | 6.20 | 2018 | Lower Dibang Valley (AR) | Dibang River |
| 3 | Mahatma Gandhi Setu | 5.75 | 1982 | Patna to Hajipur | Ganga River, Bihar |
| 4 | Bandra-Worli Sea Link | 5.57 | 2009 | Bandra to Worli | Mahim Bay, Mumbai |
| 5 | Bogibeel Bridge | 4.94 | 2018 | Dhemaji to Dibrugarh | Brahmaputra River, Assam |
| 6 | Vikramshila Setu | 4.70 | 2001 | Bhagalpur to Naugachia | Ganga River, Bihar |
| 7 | Vembanad Rail Bridge | 4.62 | 2011 | Edappally to Vallarpadam | Vembanad Lake, Kerala |
| 8 | Digha–Sonpur Bridge | 4.55 | 2016 | Patna to Sonpur | Ganga River, Bihar |
| 9 | Arrah–Chhapra Bridge | 4.35 | 2017 | Arrah to Chhapra | Ganga River, Bihar |
| 10 | Godavari Bridge | 4.13 | 2015 | Kovvur to Rajahmundry | Godavari River, AP |
Key Engineering Highlights
Dibang River Bridge
Also known as the Sisseri Bridge, this 6.2 km structure in Arunachal Pradesh is India’s second-longest bridge. Its primary importance is National Security; it provides all-weather connectivity to the India-China border, ensuring that the Indian Army can mobilize resources to the Dibang Valley and Eastern Arunachal with high efficiency.
Bogibeel Bridge
The Bogibeel Bridge is a marvel of civil engineering, being the longest rail-cum-road bridge in India (4.94 km).
- Durability: It is India’s first bridge to have fully welded girders and is built to withstand earthquakes of up to 0 magnitude.
- Significance: It serves a dual purpose—facilitating civilian transport between Dhemaji and Dibrugarh and providing a strategic rail link for military logistics in Upper Assam.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL)
Officially the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, this 5.57 km cable-stayed bridge is a cornerstone of Mumbai’s Western Freeway Project. It drastically reduced travel time across Mahim Bay from 60–90 minutes to just 10 minutes, becoming a symbol of modern urban infrastructure.
Regional Significance: Bihar and South India
The “Lifeline of Bihar”
Bihar hosts three of the top ten longest bridges, all spanning the mighty River Ganga:
- Mahatma Gandhi Setu (5.75 km): Inaugurated in 1982, it remains one of the busiest bridges in India.
- Digha-Sonpur Bridge (J.P. Setu): A critical rail-road link connecting Patna to Northern Bihar.
- Arrah-Chhapra Bridge (Veer Kunwar Singh Setu): A multi-span bridge that has revitalized trade between Saran and Bhojpur districts.
Southern Connectivity
- Vembanad Rail Bridge (Kerala): Stretching 4.62 km, it is the longest railway bridge in India, dedicated primarily to freight movement to the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal.
- Godavari Fourth Bridge (Andhra Pradesh): A 4.13 km roadway that facilitates easier transit on the Kolkata-Chennai corridor, boosting the regional economy of Rajahmundry.
10 FAQs: Longest Bridges in India
Which is the longest bridge in India in 2026?
The Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya Bridge) is the longest bridge over water in India, measuring 9.15 km.
Which is the longest rail-cum-road bridge in India?
The Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, spanning 4.94 km across the Brahmaputra, is the longest of its kind in India.
What is the longest sea bridge in India?
The Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link are the primary contenders for longest sea bridges, with the Bandra-Worli link specifically spanning 5.57 km.
Which state has the most bridges over the River Ganga?
Bihar has several of the longest bridges over the Ganga, including the MG Setu, Vikramshila Setu, and J.P. Setu.
Why is the Dibang River Bridge strategically important?
It provides crucial all-weather access for the Indian Armed Forces to reach the border areas near China in Arunachal Pradesh.
Which bridge is the longest railway bridge in India?
The Vembanad Rail Bridge in Kochi, Kerala, holds this title at 4.62 km.
How much travel time does the Dhola-Sadiya bridge save?
It reduces the travel distance between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh by 165 km and saves approximately 5 hours of travel time.
Is the Bogibeel bridge earthquake-resistant?
Yes, it is engineered to withstand seismic activity of up to 7.0 magnitude on the Richter scale.
What is the significance of the Godavari Fourth Bridge?
It acts as a vital link on the East Coast, facilitating smoother transportation between Kolkata and Chennai.
Who inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi Setu?
The bridge was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1982.
