Karnataka’s longest cable-stayed bridge, built over the Sharavathi River backwaters, successfully cleared a crucial load test on June 25. This 2.44-kilometre-long bridge connects Ambaragodlu and Tumari in Sagar taluk. The infrastructure project aims to improve regional connectivity and ease travel for thousands of residents and pilgrims.

While speaking to Deccan Herald, Peer Pasha, the in-charge officer for the bridge, explained the process used to test the structure’s strength.

“Initially, a 25-tonne load was placed on the bridge. Later, it was increased to 50 tonnes, then 75 tonnes, and finally 100 tonnes. The load test indicated a deflection of 22 mm, well within the permissible limit of 38 mm. We have successfully passed the load test, and the bridge can sustain the load for up to 100 years,” he told Deccan Herald.

Pasha also clarified that the tippers used for the test, which were filled with m-sand, were parked and not driven during the assessment. This was done to accurately measure the bridge’s load-bearing capacity.

A total of 18 trucks were placed in one section of the bridge while engineers and officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) observed the procedure.

As per the standard procedure, the load test was carried out in two separate portions of the structure. One test was conducted on the extra-dosed cable-stayed section, which measures four spans. The other test was held on the remaining part of the bridge. The purpose of the test was to evaluate how the bridge responds to a gradually increasing load over time.

Pasha added that more than 99 per cent of the construction work has been completed and that final painting is currently underway. The inauguration date will be decided depending on the monsoon conditions in the region.

The foundation stone for the Rs 423 crore project was laid by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on February 19, 2018.

Once opened, the bridge will eliminate the long-standing dependence on large ferries, which have been the main mode of transportation for people living in Tumari and nearby areas. It will significantly reduce travel time for locals and pilgrims visiting the famous Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple.

Previously, people had to travel nearly 80 km by road to reach Sagar from Sigandur or Tumari. With the new bridge, this distance will be almost halved. It will also make travel between Kollur in Udupi district and Sagar more convenient.