Patna: Authorities in Bihar are planning to construct six pontoon bridges across the Ganga River in a bid to improve connectivity and reduce reliance on boats in riverine areas, officials have said.
The proposed bridges will be spread across three districts – Patna, Bhojpur and Vaishali – with tenders for most of the projects expected to be issued in the coming weeks.
According to officials from the state’s transport authorities, the majority of the bridges will be built in Patna, where four pontoon crossings have been planned. One bridge each is set to be constructed in Bhojpur and Vaishali. Work on the Bhojpur bridge has already begun after the tendering process was completed, while contracts for the remaining sites are expected to follow shortly.
In Vaishali, the bridge will be located at Chakoushan. In Patna district, multiple sites have been identified, including two in the Kacchi Dargah area, along with locations in Gyaspur and Danapur.
Pontoon bridges – temporary floating structures typically used in areas affected by seasonal flooding – are seen as a practical solution in regions where permanent infrastructure is either unfeasible or delayed. Officials say the initiative forms part of a broader push to strengthen transport infrastructure across the state.
The primary aim of the project is to enable easier movement between the river’s banks, particularly for communities living in flood-prone zones. Residents often depend on boats to cross the river, a system that can be both time-consuming and unreliable, especially during peak monsoon periods.
Authorities said the new bridges would also support farmers by providing more direct access to agricultural land, while offering an alternative route during periods of heavy congestion on existing road bridges. Improved connectivity is expected to enhance access to education, healthcare and local markets for residents in these areas.
