“Prime Minister Modi Initiates Construction of 6-Lane Bridge on Ganga River in Patna”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a new six-lane bridge parallel to the existing Digha-Sonpur rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga river in Patna. This development is part of the Buddha Circuit, which includes the NH-139W Patna to Bettiah road. The upcoming 4.56 km bridge, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,064.45 crore, aims to enhance connectivity between North and South Bihar. The responsibility for constructing this new bridge, located 180 meters west of the existing JP Setu, has been entrusted to SP Singla Company. Construction is expected to commence in April, with potential traffic utilization by 2027.
Bridge Features and Connectivity:
The bridge, a vital link in the Golden Quadrilateral corridor, will connect Patna to Aurangabad, Sonpur, Chhapra, Motihari, and Bettiah in the northern part of Bihar. It is set to improve connectivity to Vaishali in the Buddha Circuit and the Buddha Stupa in Kesariya, East Champaran district. Additionally, the NH-139W will provide access to notable landmarks such as the Areraj Someshwarnath Temple and the proposed Virat Ramayana Temple, the world’s largest religious monument.
Enhanced Road Infrastructure:
Towards Sonpur, the new bridge will connect to a dam located approximately 180 meters west of the existing bridge. An extension road of around 700 meters will be constructed, increasing the existing two-lane road width to four lanes. The service road at the bottom will expand to a two-lane with paved solder, resulting in a total eight-lane width for the approach road towards Sonpur.
Technological Advancements and Quality Assurance:
To ensure construction quality, state-of-the-art technologies like 5D-Building Information Modeling (BIM), ‘Bridge Health Monitoring System’ (BHMS), and monthly drone mapping will be employed. The project will follow the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model.
Ganga River Bridge Development:
The new bridge is part of an ambitious plan to increase the number of bridges on the Ganga river in Bihar. Presently, there are seven bridges, and with the completion of 11 more in the coming years, the total will reach 18. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and connectivity across the state, supporting both commercial and public transportation needs.