Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the newly constructed Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge in Gujarat on February 25. This 2.5 km-long bridge connects Okha and Beyt in the pilgrimage site of Dwarka, enhancing connectivity to the revered Dwarkadhish Temple.
Initiated by the Modi government in 2017, the bridge comes at a cost of ₹978 crore. Before its construction, pilgrims relied on water transport to reach the Dwarkadhish Temple in Beyt, Dwarka.
PM Modi is also set to inaugurate Rajkot AIIMS on February 25, as a part of a broader initiative by the government to establish super-specialty hospitals across the country. Alongside Rajkot AIIMS, four other AIIMS in Mangalagiri, Bathinda, Rae Bareli, and Kalyani will also be inaugurated virtually by the Prime Minister.
Key Projects and Developments to be Unveiled
During his visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various projects worth Rs 48,000 crore across different sectors, including NHAI, Railways, Energy, and Petrochemicals. Of these, projects worth Rs 35,700 crore are marked for Gujarat.
Promoting Accessibility and Religious Tourism
The bridge, spanning 2.32 km, will facilitate round-the-clock travel to Beyt Dwarka, easing accessibility for devotees visiting the temple. PM Modi will offer prayers at the Shri Beyt Dwarkadhish Mandir and Dwarkadhish temple before addressing a gathering in Dwarka town.
Economic Growth and Sustainability
PM Modi’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and development across Gujarat, with a focus on enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, and healthcare services.
In an interview with ANI, a tourist emphasized the significance of the bridge in boosting tourism and reducing travel time to Beyt, Dwarka.
“This bridge, a gift to the people of Gujarat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will benefit us in many ways. It will boost tourism, save time, and enhance access to quality healthcare through the development of public infrastructure. Tourists who previously spent 5 hours sailing to Beyt Dwarka can now simply take the bridge, reducing their travel time by 3 hours,” the tourist remarked.
“The bridge will serve as an effective and sustainable option for those unable to afford boat cruises. It will facilitate transportation for locals, especially at night when navigating challenges can be difficult,” the tourist explained.
Engineering Marvel and Cultural Symbolism
The Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge stands as India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, boasting technological innovation with solar panels generating electricity. Adorned with cultural symbols like verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna, it holds both engineering and cultural significance.
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