PM Modi to inaugurate Asia’s widest 6-lane bridge in Bihar today. Here’s what makes it special

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Asia’s widest six-lane bridge over the Ganga in Bihar on Friday. The new bridge, which connects the North and South regions of the state, is expected to bring huge relief to commuters who have long struggled with traffic and delays on the old two-lane Rajendra Setu.

Built on NH-31, the Aunta-Simaria cable bridge is expected to ease travel for lakhs of people and reduce long detours by nearly 100 km, making travel across the river faster and easier.

Officials say the bridge will not just help commuters but also improve trade and industry across the two regions, giving a boost to connectivity and economic activity in the poll-bound state.

Here’s what we know about the key features of the new Aunta-Simaria bridge.

Improve connectivity

Built at a cost of over Rs 1,870 crore, the 1.86-km-long Aunta-Simaria bridge is being described as India’s widest extradosed cable-stayed bridge.

With a width of 34 metres, segment lengths ranging between 57 and 115 metres, and cantilever arms stretching up to 70 metres, the bridge is expected to play a major role in reducing traffic congestion between North and South Bihar.

Constructed parallel to the old two-lane Rajendra Setu, which has now been closed to heavy vehicles, the new six-lane structure is likely to save freight movement from detours of over 100 km.

Good News – Aunta Simaria 6L Extra Dosed Cable Ganga Bridge is Unofficially open for all types of Vehicles. pic.twitter.com/2HDdjhejVW

— The Bihar Index (@IndexBihar) June 17, 2025

For decades, people depended on Rajendra Setu, the rail-cum-road bridge inaugurated in 1959 by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Built in the 1950s, it had served as a vital lifeline for South Bihar, but with rising traffic and heavy loads, the bridge struggled to meet today’s demands.

Building the bridge wasn’t easy. A senior official told ETV Bharat that the project faced several hurdles as the entire stretch lies in a low-lying, flood-prone zone. “Construction work was possible only during 7–8 months of the year when there is no flood-like situation,” the official said.

Despite these challenges, engineers turned to advanced methods to complete the project. Project Manager at NHAI, Abhishek, told the outlet the bridge was constructed using modern extra-dosed technology.

“Apart from being a strong structure, it also is a fine example of modern engineering. Reaching religious places like Simaria Dham will be easier now. Farmers and traders will also benefit greatly in transporting their produce,” he added.

The new Aunta-Simaria bridge is now projected to cut travel time significantly between districts such as Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea and Araria in the north, and Patna, Sheikhpura, Nawada and Lakhisarai in the south.

Economic development

Officials also believe the bridge will boost economic activity, especially in North Bihar, which often depends on South Bihar and Jharkhand for raw materials.

Farmers, including makhana growers, are expected to benefit from quicker access to national and international markets. Industrial hubs like Barauni are also likely to see smoother transport of goods.

Union Minister and Begusarai MP Giriraj Singh hailed it as a transformative project.

“In our constituency, PM Narendra Modi has gifted a new NTPC, a new fertiliser unit, and a new refinery. Now the Aunta–Simaria bridge has been completed. For the first time, Bihar has a six-lane bridge, and it has come up on the soil of Begusarai. This will prove to be a milestone in Bihar’s development,” he was quoted as saying by ETV Bharat.

Prime Minister @narendramodi to inaugurate Aunta – Simaria project in Bihar’s Gaya on August 22.

The project includes a nearly 2km long bridge over river Ganga, which will provide direct connectivity between Mokama in #Patna District and #Begusarai. pic.twitter.com/a0asPI1wHT

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 19, 2025

Beyond road and trade, the bridge is also set to improve access to cultural and religious sites like Simaria Dham, known as the birthplace of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.

Bihar’s Road Construction Minister Nitin Navin called the project a landmark for the state, as per the Hindustan Times.

“From laying the foundation in 2017 to inaugurating it, the Hon’ble Prime Minister has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment and enduring vision to strengthening Bihar’s connectivity and growth.”

He added that the bridge would become a signature project for Bihar’s progress.

“This bridge will significantly reduce the distance between north and south Bihar and stand as a signature project of progress. It is a reminder of how far the state has travelled from the lantern age, when craters passed for roads. The Prime Minister envisions Bihar as the next growth engine and every effort is being directed towards building a strong launch pad for that future.”

With input from agencies