Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday inaugurated the first operational lane of the Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur Six-Lane Bridge, hailed as the country’s longest cable-stayed bridge. The bridge, which will significantly enhance connectivity between Patna and Raghopur Diara region, is expected to cut travel time across the Ganga to just five minutes.
The project, executed by L&T in collaboration with South Korean firm Daewoo, commenced on January 16, 2017. Built at a total cost of Rs 4,988.40 crore, the bridge includes Rs 696.60 crore spent on land acquisition and Rs 4,291.80 crore on construction. The full length of the bridge, including its approach roads, stretches 22.76 kilometres, with the main bridge covering approximately 9.76 kilometres. It rests on 67 piers and features six lanes, though only one has been opened to traffic so far.
The bridge provides a long-awaited year-round link for residents of Raghopur, who previously depended on a seasonal pontoon bridge (Pipa Pul) or boats, particularly during the monsoon months when the temporary structure was dismantled due to rising water levels in the Ganga.
“The inauguration of this permanent bridge marks a major milestone in regional infrastructure,” said a senior official from the Road Construction Department. “It will not only improve daily commute and access to Patna for thousands, but also stimulate trade, transport and investment opportunities across the region.”
The bridge is also expected to ease pressure on the heavily burdened Mahatma Gandhi Setu, providing an alternative route for traffic across the Ganges.
The full six-lane structure is scheduled to be completed by 2027.
