A significant infrastructure project is nearing completion in Bihar, with the construction of a new six-lane bridge over the Ganges River in Begusarai. This bridge, which is 1.8 kilometers long and has cost ₹1871 crore, is part of the Aunta-Simaria project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to dedicate this bridge to the public on August 22, 2025. The bridge will provide a crucial link between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai, significantly reducing travel time for commuters.
The new bridge is constructed parallel to the existing Rajendra Setu, a 2-lane rail-cum-road bridge which is currently undergoing repairs. This has led to restrictions on heavy vehicles, forcing them to take a longer route. The new bridge will reduce the travel distance for heavy vehicles by up to 100 kilometers, leading to savings in fuel and operational costs. Furthermore, the bridge will improve access to Simaria Dham, a prominent pilgrimage site and the birthplace of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. The project, which began in 2018, marks a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and fostering regional development in Bihar.