Government approves Rs 3,064 crore bridge project in Bihar

The government has granted approval for the construction of a new 6-lane bridge spanning the river Ganga to link Digha and Sonepur in Bihar. The infrastructure project, estimated at Rs 3,064.45 crore, is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and stimulate broader development in north Bihar, according to an official communique.

Spanning a length of 4.56 km, the proposed bridge will be positioned parallel to the existing Digha-Sonepur Rail-Cum-Road Bridge, situated across the Ganga in the districts of Patna and Saran. The financial outlay for civil construction is projected at Rs 2,233.81 crore. 

Presently, Digha, located on the south bank of the Ganga in Patna, and Sonepur, on the north bank in Saran District, are connected via a bridge primarily suited for light vehicles. This limitation inhibits the transport of goods and commodities, posing a significant economic constraint for the region.

By constructing the new bridge, the logistical impediments will be mitigated, facilitating the movement of goods and potentially unlocking the economic vitality of the area. The project will be executed on an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) basis, incorporating advanced technologies such as 5D-building information modelling (BIM) and a bridge health monitoring system (BHMS). Monthly drone mapping will also be deployed to ensure rigorous quality control throughout the construction and operational phases.

(With PTI inputs)