Begusarai: A landmark infrastructure project is set to be unveiled in Bihar as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed six-lane Aunta–Simaria Bridge on the Ganga river on Friday, August 22. The state-of-the-art bridge is expected to transform connectivity between North and South Bihar, reducing travel distances by nearly 100 km. The bridge will reduce travel time between Patna and Begusarai to 1.5 hours from earlier 3 hours.
Asia’s Second Widest Extrados Bridge
Built at a cost of ₹1,871 crore, the bridge is Asia’s second widest multi-span extrados cable-stayed river bridge constructed on single piers. It measures 34 meters in width and stretches 1,865 meters across the Ganga. Including its approach roads, the project covers 8.15 km. The bridge also features three lanes of 13 meters each on both sides, along with 1.5-meter-wide footpaths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Alternative to Rajendra Setu
The project provides a vital alternative to the seven-decade-old Rajendra Setu, which has long struggled with traffic congestion. The new bridge will directly link Mokama in South Bihar to Begusarai in North Bihar, easing travel for commuters from districts like Supaul, Madhubani, Araria, Patna, Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Lakhisarai.
Boost to Pilgrimage and Local Economy
Authorities said the bridge will improve access to Simaria Dham, a pilgrimage site and the birthplace of renowned Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’. It is also expected to boost local trade and tourism in the region.
PM Modi’s Visit and Security Arrangements
After addressing a public meeting in Gaya, PM Modi will arrive in Begusarai by helicopter. His chopper will land at the SP Singla Company’s base camp, while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Governor Arif Mohammad Khan are scheduled to land at the NTPC helipad. The Prime Minister is expected to spend around 28 minutes in Begusarai, during which he will inaugurate the bridge, greet the public near the Kalpvas Mela area, and inspect Bihar’s first riverfront development project at Simaria.
District Magistrate Tushar Singla said the entire stretch from NTPC to Aunta has been declared a red zone. Drone operations have been banned, and heavy police deployment is in place. Posters and banners congratulating the Prime Minister have been displayed across Begusarai.
Traffic Diversions Announced
To facilitate the event, traffic restrictions will be in force on August 22 between 10 am and 3 pm. The Aunta–Simaria Bridge and the Rajendra Bridge will remain closed during this period.
- Vehicles from Patna and Mokama towards Begusarai will be diverted via Aunta–Hathidih–Lakhisarai–Munger–Sahebpur Kamal–Begusarai.
- Vehicles from Begusarai towards Patna will be diverted via Zeromile–Teghra–Bachhwara–Dalsingsarai–Musrigharari–Patna.
The administration has appealed to citizens to cooperate with security and traffic officials to ensure smooth proceedings during the high-profile visit.
