This uniquely-shaped setu is the longest bridge in Odisha, but not for long

The T-Setu Bridge, spanning 3.4 km over the Mahanadi River in Cuttack district, holds the title of Odisha’s longest bridge since its December 2021 inauguration.

Its distinctive T-shape connects Gopinathpur, Baideswar, and Singhanath Pitha, slashing travel distances by 45 km for over 500,000 residents. Built at a cost of Rs 111 crore, the prestressed concrete structure features 7.5-meter-wide roads, pedestrian pathways, and piers anchored deep into the riverbed to withstand monsoon currents.

A Bridge Built to Last

Constructed with high-strength concrete and steel tendons, T-Setu’s design ensures durability against heavy traffic and extreme weather. Although its foundation was laid in 2014, construction began in 2018, and completion took until 2021.

The bridge replaced a temporary 3-km riverbed road built annually at Rs 15 lakh, which washed away during rains. Today, it supports agriculture, commerce, and pilgrimage access to the Bali Makar Jatra festival.

Socio-Economic Impact

By linking Cuttack and Khordha districts, T-Setu boosted regional connectivity, fostering trade and tourism. Farmers now transport goods faster, while devotees reach Singhanath Pitha seamlessly.

Despite such feats, its record is set to be overtaken by a newer project.

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A New Champion Rises

On April 17, 2025, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation for a 4-km bridge over Hirakud Dam’s reservoir.

Slated for completion in 2.5 years at Rs 275 crore, this structure will connect Lakhanpur (Jharsuguda) and Ambabhona (Bargarh), reducing travel between Sambalpur-Jharsuguda and Bargarh from 100 km to 12 km.

Funded by the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund, the bridge aims to mend communities divided by the Hirakud Dam’s 1950s construction, which displaced families and severed social ties.

Connecting Communities, Reviving Ties

The Hirakud bridge promises to revive economic and cultural exchanges between western Odisha and Chhattisgarh. It will eliminate the need for detours through neighbouring states, streamlining freight movement and fostering regional collaboration.

For isolated villages, it represents a lifeline to education, healthcare, and markets.

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While T-Setu remains a marvel, its successor symbolises the growing advancements and rapidly progressing ambitions of Odisha.