The Central Government has bestowed a significant boon upon Bihar just ahead of the New Year. In a recent development, the Union Cabinet has granted approval for the construction of a new six-lane bridge spanning the Ganga River, enhancing connectivity between Digha and Sonpur in Patna.
This state-of-the-art cable bridge, spanning a length of 4.5 kilometers, will be erected in EPC mode alongside the existing JP Setu, approximately 180 meters to the west. The project, estimated at Rs 3,064 crore, will include civil construction costs of Rs 2,233.81 crore and is slated for completion within 42 months.
Facilitating vehicular movement above and watercraft passage beneath, this cable bridge will link to NH 139W and integrate with the ongoing construction of a four-lane road from Patna to Bettiah, covering a distance of about 167 km in five phases. Commencing near Patna AIIMS, the road will traverse Bakarpur, Manikpur, Sahebganj, Areraj, and culminate near Bettiah on NH-727.
Beyond enhancing connectivity, the bridge will play a pivotal role in linking Patna to the Golden Quadrilateral Corridor and connecting Aurangabad through NH 139, as well as North Bihar via Sonpur (NH-31), Chhapra, Motihari (East-West Corridor old NH-27), and Bettiah (NH-727).
Integral to the Buddha Circuit, the bridge will improve access to significant cultural and religious sites, including the Buddha Stupa in Vaishali, Keshariya, Areraj Someshwar Nath Temple, and the proposed Virat Ramayana Temple in East Champaran.
The project is anticipated to stimulate tourism, fostering direct travel from South Bihar to destinations like Vaishali and Lauria, and easing visits to Bettiah and the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Residents of North Bihar will enjoy improved access to Rajgir and Bodh Gaya.
By enhancing connectivity over the Ganga River, this bridge will expedite vehicular movement, fostering overall development in the region. The districts of Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, and West Champaran will directly benefit, contributing to the comprehensive progress of both North and South Bihar. This initiative aligns with existing bridges on the Ganga River, such as Buxar-Ballia, Ara-Chhapra, Digha-Sonpur (JP Setu), Patna-Hajipur (Gandhi Bridge), Mokama-Simaria Ghat (Rajendra Setu), Munger Ganga Bridge (Rail cum Road), and Bhagalpur (Bikramshila Bridge).