Bihar is on the cusp of a major infrastructure upgrade with the completion of a new six-lane bridge over the Ganges River in Begusarai. This bridge, a key component of the Aunta-Simaria project, is set to be inaugurated on August 22, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bridge spans 1.8 kilometers and represents an investment of ₹1871 crore.
The new bridge will directly connect Mokama in Patna district with Begusarai, improving accessibility and reducing travel times for those traveling by road. The bridge runs parallel to the existing Rajendra Setu, a bridge that has been in service for approximately seven decades and is currently under maintenance. Heavy vehicles had to take long detours due to repairs on the old bridge. The new bridge will significantly decrease travel distances for heavy vehicles connecting North and South Bihar, potentially reducing travel distances by up to 100 kilometers. This advancement will result in decreased fuel consumption and lower vehicle operating costs. Moreover, the new bridge will facilitate better access to Simaria Dham, a prominent pilgrimage site and the birthplace of the noted poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.