Cabinet Greenlights Construction of 6-Lane Bridge Across Ganga, Boosting Connectivity in Bihar

In a significant move towards enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in Bihar, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod for the construction of a new 4.56 km long, 6-lane high-level bridge across the River Ganga. The proposed bridge will connect Digha and Sonepur in Bihar, running parallel to the western side of the existing Digha-Sonepur Rail-Cum Road Bridge.

Project Details:

The project, estimated to cost Rs. 3,064.45 crore, includes a substantial civil construction cost of Rs. 2,233.81 crore. The new bridge, spanning 4556 meters, will be built on the Extra Dosed Cable stayed Bridge model, providing enhanced connectivity in the districts of Patna and Saran (NH-139W) in the state of Bihar. The project will be executed on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode.

Benefits and Impact:

The construction of the new bridge aims to alleviate economic bottlenecks by facilitating the transport of goods and commodities between Digha and Sonepur. Currently connected by a Rail Cum Road Bridge for light vehicles only, this new infrastructure will eliminate the constraint, unlocking the economic potential of the region.

The bridge will offer direct connectivity from Patna to the Golden Quadrilateral corridor via NH-139 at Aurangabad and Sonepur (NH-31), Chhapra, Motihari (East-West corridor old NH-27), and Bettiah (NH-727) in the northern part of Bihar. Additionally, it is part of the Buddha circuit, enhancing connectivity to the Buddha Stupa at Vaishali and Keshariya. The project’s scope includes connectivity to the renowned Areraj Someshwar Nath Temple and the proposed Viraat Ramayan Mandir at Kesariya in East Champaran District.

Implementation Strategy and Targets:

The project will be implemented on an EPC mode, incorporating cutting-edge technology such as 5D-Building Information Modelling (BIM) and a Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS). Monthly drone mapping will be utilized to ensure construction and operational quality. The timeline for completion is set at 42 months from the appointed date.

Impact on Employment Generation:

Apart from its infrastructural benefits, the project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities during both the construction and maintenance phases. Skilled and unskilled workers are expected to benefit from various activities associated with the project.

Geographical Coverage:

Connecting two districts, namely Patna and Saran, across the River Ganga, the bridge will contribute to the socio-economic growth of the entire region.

Background:

The government, recognizing the strategic importance of the stretch, declared it as NH-139(W) through a Gazette Notification dated July 8, 2021. This ambitious initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering economic development and better connectivity across regions.