Karnataka celebrated the inauguration of its longest inland cable-stayed bridge, the 2.25 km Sigandur Bridge, over the Sharavathi backwaters in Shivamogga. Built at a cost of ₹456.6 crore and inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the bridge eliminates the two-hour river crossing by ferry and reduces travel time to Sigandur dramatically. It features Karnataka’s first extradosed balanced cantilever design, footpaths, and dual-lane traffic. Expected to be a tourism catalyst, the bridge also improves daily commutes and local commerce. This engineering feat cements Karnataka’s infrastructure credentials and supports economic growth in Malnad regions.