Patna: The Centre has granted financial approval for what will become Bihar’s longest bridge, a 12km structure across the Gandak river in West Champaran designed to transform connectivity between the state and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.
The bridge, part of a 29km road alignment including 15 smaller bridges, will link Manua Pul in Bettiah to Tiwari Patti–Sewarahi in UP’s Kushinagar district. The project, estimated at Rs. 1,976.77 crore, is expected to reduce the distance between Bihar and UP by 35km, while also offering easier access to Nepal.
Built under HAM model
The double-lane bridge will be constructed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), in which the selected agency bears 60% of the construction cost and the Centre provides the remaining 40%. The contractor must also maintain the bridge for 15 years after completion.
Under the HAM process, large sections of the bridge are pre-fabricated in factories and assembled at the site, a method known for durability and faster execution. Officials have set a four-year construction timeline, with land acquisition already completed.
Farmers welcome faster access and safety
Local farmers say the project will be a lifeline. Rama Shankar Singh, who farms on the river’s diara land, said the bridge will end the dependence on boats: “We often risk our lives crossing the river. This bridge will finally make our work safer,” he said.
Alongside improved mobility, the region expects a rise in tourism, particularly to the nearby Valmiki Tiger Reserve, and increased employment during construction.
Awaiting cabinet nod
With financial clearance granted, the project will now move to the Union Cabinet for the final go-ahead before tenders are issued. Officials describe the bridge as a major catalyst for economic development between the two states.
Bihar’s road construction minister Nitin Nabin thanked the Union government, saying the bridge reflects the pace of infrastructure development under the “double engine government”.
Third major approval post-election
This marks the third major infrastructure project cleared by the Centre within a week of the NDA’s sweeping victory in Bihar. Earlier, financial approval was granted for the Khagaria–Purnia and Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi–Sonbarsa four-lane highways, covering a combined 233km at a cost of nearly ₹6,000 crore.
