Atal Setu, Goa, Cable-stayed bridge in Panaji, India
Atal Setu is a cable-stayed bridge in Panaji, India, stretching over the Mandovi River to link the capital with northern regions of Goa. The structure features dual lanes in each direction and rests on tall concrete pylons rising from the water, supported by white steel cables fanning outward.
Construction began to ease congestion on older Mandovi crossings and the span opened to vehicles and pedestrians in 2019. Its completion marked a key step in modernizing Goa's transport network after years of planning and engineering work.
Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the structure represents India's growing infrastructure development in the 21st century. Travelers crossing it can observe how the cable-stayed design allows river traffic to pass beneath while linking both banks without interruption.
Travelers can use dedicated lanes from Merces Circle toward Mapusa during peak hours to avoid congestion on other Mandovi crossings. Pedestrians will find separate walkways along the sides, though these can be narrow especially when vehicle traffic is heavy.
Two specialized German road milling machines maintain the surface, representing rare equipment with only two units of this type operating across India. These machines help keep the roadway smooth and safe for the vehicles that use the crossing each day.
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