In a decisive push for infrastructure development, Bihar’s Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal has issued firm directives to accelerate work on critical Ganga River bridge projects. During a detailed review meeting, Pal scrutinized the progress of the ambitious Bakhtiyarpur-Tajpur bridge, connecting NH-31 near Karjan in Bakhtiyarpur to NH-28 in Tajpur, Samastipur.
The project, a greenfield four-lane bridge spanning the Ganga, promises to revolutionize connectivity between north and south Bihar. Officials reported satisfactory physical progress, with 45 out of 46 foundations and substructures nearly complete, only Pier-23 pending. Segment casting in the yard has reached 650 out of 1170, while launching gantry erection stands at 197 out of 1043 segments.
Pal emphasized ramping up resources for casting, erection, and other key activities to meet deadlines without compromising quality or safety. ‘This bridge will ease traffic on Mahatma Gandhi Setu and boost regional economy,’ he stated, underscoring its 51.26 km total length, including a 5.51 km river span.
Shifting focus to the Sultanganj-Aguwani Ghat cable-stayed bridge linking Bhagalpur and Khagaria districts, Pal reviewed design approvals from IIT Roorkee for foundations and substructures. Cutting of old well caps is underway for spans P9-P13, with dedicated proposals under scrutiny for remaining works.
Directing contractors to submit immediate work programs and milestones for weekly monitoring, Pal mandated completion within 18 months. For the 20.3 km approach roads targeting May 2026, he ordered full resource deployment, excluding ROB Pasaraha where work is ongoing. These moves signal Bihar’s commitment to timely, transformative infrastructure.