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Dhola-Sadiya bridge in Assam – is India's longest river bridge – a fact that is enough to grab your attention, but what if we were to tell you that the bridge has been built in a way that Army tanks can use it too! The 9.15 km long Dhola-Sadiya bridge is a strategic project – it would ensure swift movement of troops and artillery to the bordering state of Arunachal Pradesh. The three lane S-shaped bridge has been built over river Lohit, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. We take a look at some interesting facts about India's longest river bridge:
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Reports suggest that the river bridge can withstand the weight of a 60-tonne battle tank! Currently, Indian Army's convoys spend many hours crossing the river by boat from Dhola to Sadiya. (PTI Photo)
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If not the river route, then the convoys are forced to take a 250-km road trip from Dinjan near Tinsukia, to Tezu in Arunachal. The road trip takes 10 hours!
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The Dhola-Sadiya bridge will ensure 24X7 connectivity between upper Assam and the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the Dhola-Sadiya bridge will reduce the distance from Rupai on NH-37 in Assam to Meka/Roing on NH-52 in Arunachal by as much as 165 km! This means a reduction of 5 hours of travel time!
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The total length of the Dhola-Sadiya bridge project is 28.50 km. This includes the approach roads on each side. (PTI Photo)
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The construction of the bridge is said to have been expedited after PM Narendra Modi took charge in 2014. The bridge was inaugurated by the PM. He also named it after noted singer Bhupen Hazarika.
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The Rs 2,056 crore strategic bridge is 3.55 km longer than the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai.
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According to Navayuga Engineering, the private company that has built the bridge in collaboration Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the Dhola-Sadiya bridge has been provided seismic buffers. This has been done, keeping in mind that the North-East part is prone to high seismic activity.
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This bridge is being seen as a way to boost the overall economic development of the areas that are north of Brahmaputra in upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. In particular, hydro power projects are expected to benefit greatly from the construction of this bridge.
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