Bet Dwarka is an important Hindu pilgrimage site located around 30 km off the coast of Dwarka city in Gujarat. A 2.5 km long bridge has been constructed connecting Okha port on the mainland to Bet Dwarka island offering connectivity for pilgrims. The 4-lane bridge is built over the shallow Arabian Sea waters using precast concrete segments and concrete pillars.
Key Details
Okha-Bet Dwarka Connectivity Bridge Details
| Parameter | Details |
| Built By | Gammon Engineers and Contractors |
| Construction Cost | INR 250 crores |
| Length | 2.5 km |
| No. of Lanes | 4 lane |
| Design Life | 100 years |
| Inaugurated in | March 2023 |
Significance for Pilgrimage Tourism
Ease of Access
- Reduces sea travel time from Okha to Bet Dwarka from 45 minutes currently to just 10 minutes.
- Safer than small boats – Bridge designed for movement of light vehicles and pedestrians
Economic Growth
- Will boost tourism and businesses in Dwarka region and attract investments
- Supports PM’s holistic development of Hindu pilgrimage destinations
Enabling Connectivity Resilience
- Alternative route now available during adverse weather when sea routes face risks
- Strategic bridge for security forces enhancing access to coastal border areas
Challenges Faced
Cyclone Resilience Needs
- Withstand cyclones and storms up to 260 kmph wind speeds
- However, no bridge closures expected during extreme events
Environmental Concerns
- Fishing communities protested anticipated impact on livelihoods
- Reclamation loss – 21 hectares mangroves, mudflats for alignments
Adaptations Allowing Completion
Construction Methodology
- Pile load testing to confirm stability of marine clay strata
- Precast segmental technology chosen for fast, rigid and resilient structure
Stakeholder Engagement
- Compensatory afforestation doubled to 50 hectares of mangroves
- Fishing rights ensured up to 500 meters on both sides
Wider Impact
Key Socio-Economic Outcomes Expected
| Parameter | Expected Impact |
| Employment generation | 25 lakh man-days utilised during construction |
| Boost to tourism GDP | Additional INR 200 crores per year |
| Travel time savings | Total savings of 6 lakh hours |
Impact on Spiritual Tourism
The bridge connectivity to Bet Dwarka will significantly enhance visitor experience and boost spiritual tourism for the region. Some major impacts include:
- Easier access resulting in 30% growth in annual pilgrim footfall expected in 2 years
- Enhanced facilities and stay options to handle increased tourists
- New tourism circuits combining Dwarka and nearby Somnath/Porbandar
- Preserving the serenity of Bet Dwarka island through controlled vehicle access
Boost for Local Communities
The economic opportunities from tourism will uplift local fishing and trader communities.
- Home stays, guides and local transport to see income rise
- Training programs for tour guides and hospitality skills
- Women self-help groups aided to sell handicrafts and cuisine
- Ferry operators to be reskilled in tourism roles
Environmental Sustainability Aspects
While earlier outcry over mangrove destruction has waned after mitigation measures, sustainable development remains vital.
- Carbon footprint savings from reduced sea voyage trips
- Renewable energy installations on Bet Dwarka island
- Eco-friendly electric buggy transport within island
- Separate bird sanctuary created within reclaimed mangrove land
Enhancing Coastal Infrastructure Resilience
As a vital link for communities as well as strategic forces, disaster resilience is ingrained into its design.
- Bridge foundation design handles winds up to 260 kmph speeds
- Expandable to 6-lane capacity based on future needs
- Performance testing planned after 5-years for maintenance
- Approach roads to dwarka raised to act as storm surge barrier
Stimulus for Coastal Economy
The connectivity transforming Dwarka region is a catalyst for widespread economic advancement.
- Direct port connectivity to enable new cargo opportunities
- Infrastructure upgrade linked to tourism – air, rail and road
- Mega investment zone spanning Gujarat’s coastline
- Showcases engineering excellence to the World
The bridge connectivity augmenting access to Bet Dwarka Divya Kashi is a boon for pilgrimage tourism in the region. While effectively addressing ecological impact concerns during construction, it will also spawn wider economic progress. Its strategic value also merits consideration for security forces. Aligned to priorities of improving connectivity to spiritual destinations, it is another milestone infrastructure gift for the western coastline of India set to transform Dwarka’s prospects.
