Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the newly constructed six-lane bridge over the Ganga connecting Aunta Ghat in Mokama to Simaria in Begusarai on August 22, providing a crucial link between North and South Bihar. The total length of the bridge is 8.150 km, including a 1.865 km stretch over the Ganga. The project has been executed for Rs 1,871 crore.

On the same day, PM Modi will also open the new four-lane road connecting Bakhtiyarpur to Mokama, spanning 44.60 km, constructed for Rs 1,899 crore.

ALSO READ: Indian Vlogger Visits Japan’s Spooky Doll Village, Chants Hanuman Chalisa And Calls It ‘Bhoot Ka Sheher' In Viral Video

Currently, vehicles are using one lane of the new bridge built parallel to Rajendra Bridge, with the second lane now ready for operation. Once fully operational, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the districts of North and South Bihar and ease traffic congestion on the decades-old Rajendra Setu.

Rajendra Setu, a road-cum-rail bridge, was originally inaugurated in 1959 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Bihar’s first Chief Minister Sri Krishna Singh. The bridge, whose foundation was laid in 1956 by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the country’s first President, has long struggled to handle increasing traffic, especially for heavy vehicles, leading to chronic congestion.

The new bridge will not only provide relief to commuters travelling from Purnia, Bhagalpur, and other districts to Patna but will also strengthen connectivity between the northeastern states and the rest of India.

ALSO READ: FD, RD And Post Office Schemes: Want To Double Your Money? Know What Is the Rule of 72 And How To Calculate It?

Prime Minister Modi had announced the bridge in 2015 under a special Bihar development package and laid its foundation stone in 2017 at Mokama.