Bihar News: In a bid to boost tourism and reduce travel time between north and south Bihar, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully inaugurated a six-lane bridge over the Ganga River connecting Aunta (Mokama) and Simaria (Begusarai). The six-lane bridge on the National Highway-31 was built at a cost of Rs 1871 crore and is now open to the public, aiming to reduce the distance between north and south Bihar by 150 km.

Earlier, heavy goods vehicles and commercial vehicles had to face severe congestion on the Mahatama Gandhi Setu in Patna or the old Rajendra Setu, increasing travel time and transportation cost.

Mokama-Begusarai Six-Lane Bridge: Check Details

The six-lane bridge spanning over 8.15 km in length from Mokama to Begusarai is built over the Ganga River with four-lane approach roads on either side. Vehicles going to southern districts like Sheikhpura, Nawada and Lakhisarai from northern districts like Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani and Araria will benefit as the six-lane bridge will reduce the distance by 150 km. The bridge will also reduce fuel and transportation costs, promoting trade and tourism in the state.

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The six-lane bridge is built parallel to the old Rajendra Setu, which is a two-lane rail-cum-road bridge. In contrast to the Rajendra Setu, the newly constructed six-lane will bear heavy traffic pressure along with smooth movement of vehicles.

The industrial and agricultural sectors will get the maximum benefit from the bridge, as they will be able to transport goods and products at a faster speed. It will also boost tourism in the state as the bridge would provide direct access to the famous religious place Simaria Dham, which is also the birthplace of the national poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar’.

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Key Features Of The Mokama-Begusarai Six-Lane Bridge

- Total Length Of The Six-Lane Bridge: 8.15 km

- Estimated Cost: Rs 1,871 crore

- Current Status: NHAI has completed the construction and has opened it for traffic.

- Description: Six-Lane Bridge And Four-Lane Approach Road Over the Ganga River