Dwarka: The cable-stayed Sudama Setu (Sudama Bridge), which connects the Gomti River with Panchnad Tirtha and is one of the major tourist attractions of the temple town of Dwarka, is finally set to be renovated at a cost of ₹14.11 crore. The bridge has remained closed to tourists for nearly three and a half years.

Following the Morbi bridge collapse in September 2022, Sudama Setu—along with several other cable-stayed bridges in Gujarat—was closed to pilgrims as a precautionary safety measure. Despite continuous reports of annual financial losses due to the closure, the bridge remained shut owing to the lack of technical safety clearance. Now, with the state government granting approval for its renovation, the decision has brought relief and joy among devotees and local stakeholders.

The renovation will begin after the completion of the tendering process. The original Sudama Setu, built in 2011 with contributions from both the Reliance Group and the public, was inaugurated by then Chief Minister Anandiben Patel in June 2016. The bridge was originally constructed using MS (mild steel).

The new structure will be built using stainless steel, and the existing foundation pillars will be reinforced. All other superstructures will be dismantled, and a new bridge will be constructed under the supervision of the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, Dwarka.

Of the total ₹14.11 crore budget:

• ₹5 crore will come from the Dwarkadhish Devasthan Committee.

• ₹9.11 crore will be provided as a grant from the Yatra Dham Vikas Board, with technical approval from the state government.

The entire renovation project will be overseen by the R&B Department. DeshGujarat