Himdarshan Samachar

North India’s Longest Bridge to Be Built Over Gobind Sagar Lake — Will Cut Travel Distance by 21 km, Cost ₹897 Crore

In Himachal Pradesh’s Una district, North India’s longest cable-stayed and viaduct bridge is set to take shape over the Gobind Sagar Lake. This 860-meter-long bridge will be completed in the next two and a half years, reducing the travel distance between Lathiani and Una by 21 kilometers — saving about 40 minutes of commute time and reducing transportation costs for locals.

No More Motorboats or Long Detours

Currently, villagers rely on motorboats or take long routes via Bangana. The bridge between Lathiani and Bihdu will open a direct road route to Una for 14 villages around Gobind Sagar.

Relief for Students and Patients

The bridge will ease access for students traveling to colleges in Una and Hamirpur, and patients will no longer have to rely on water transport or extended routes for medical treatment.

Project Cost and Infrastructure

The project is estimated to cost ₹897 crore and consists of:

• A 480-meter cable-stayed bridge
• A 380-meter viaduct
• 8 km of four-lane approach roads
• A 50-meter minor bridge
• A 150-meter viaduct
• Two vehicle underpasses and two overpasses
• 11 major structures in total
• Environmental and Land Acquisition Concerns

The construction will lead to the felling of about 4,068 trees — 380 from forest land and the rest from private land. Additionally, six nearby panchayats located just 50 meters from the bridge route are currently excluded from the plan, prompting demands from locals for their inclusion.

Local Voices

• Krishanpal (Affected Farmer): "Acquisition has made some of our remaining land unusable. Land acquisition should be planned in a way that the remaining land remains usable."
• Joginder Singh (Choh Village): "Our village is just 50 meters from the bridge, yet we are left out. The government must include us."
• Sushil Thakur (Fisherman): "The bridge will promote tourism and create employment opportunities."
• Manoj Kumar Kaushal (Environmentalist): "A monitoring committee is essential to oversee the environmental impact."

Construction Progress

SPS Company has been awarded the tender and is expected to complete the project within 30 months. The company has begun setting up a camp office on-site. Land acquisition is nearly complete.