In an effort to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Aunta–Simaria bridge on NH-31, including the 1.86 km long six-lane stretch over the river Ganga. The bridge has been inaugurated ahead of the Bihar Assembly Election scheduled later this year. Considered as India's widest bridge, the project, constructed at a cost of over Rs 1,870 crore on National Highway 31, will provide direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna and Begusarai.
With the inauguration of the bridge, the PM on Friday launched development projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore in Bihar. After the inauguration, the PM stood on the bridge and waved his 'gamcha' at crowds.
This bridge has been constructed parallel to an old two-lane dilapidated rail-cum-road bridge 'Rajendra Setu', which is in poor condition, forcing heavy vehicles to re-route.
How is the Aunta–Simaria bridge special?
- The new bridge will reduce the additional travel distance of more than 100 km for the heavy vehicles travelling between north Bihar (Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, Araria) and south Bihar (Sheikhpura, Nawada and Lakhisarai).
- The bridge will also help reduce traffic jams in other parts of the region due to the detour that these vehicles were forced to take.
- The bridge will boost economic growth in the adjoining areas, especially in north Bihar, which are dependent on south Bihar and Jharkhand for various goods.
- It will also provide better connectivity to the renowned pilgrimage of Simaria Dham, which is also the birthplace of famous poet, the late Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.
Aunta–Simaria bridge: Check key features
- Aunta-Simaria Ganga bridge is a 1.86 km long, 6-lane bridge over the Ganga River.
- The Aunta-Simaria Ganga bridge will offer direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai, according to an official statement.
- This newly constructed bridge will reduce the additional travel distance of over 100 km that heavy vehicles currently face when commuting between regions in North Bihar, such as Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, and Araria and areas in South Bihar, including Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Lakhisarai.
- Apart from improving logistics, the bridge is expected to boost economic development in the surrounding areas, particularly in North Bihar, which relies heavily on South Bihar and Jharkhand for essential raw materials.
- With a width of 34 metres, segment lengths ranging between 57 and 115 metres, and cantilever arms stretching up to 70 metres, the bridge will play a major role in reducing traffic congestion between North and South Bihar.
