PM Modi Inaugurates Asia’s Widest Six-Lane Bridge in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Aunta–Simaria six-lane bridge, spanning the Ganga River in Bihar. This landmark infrastructure project, recognized as Asia’s widest extradosed cable-stayed bridge, links Mokama’s Aunta Ghat to Simaria in Begusarai along National Highway 31. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also graced the event, marking the occasion as a major milestone in Bihar’s development.

The 1.86-kilometer-long bridge, with a width of 34 meters, was constructed at a cost of over ₹1,870 crore. Its inauguration signifies not only an engineering achievement but also a transformative step in improving connectivity, trade, and mobility across Bihar.

The Aunta-Simaria bridge was inaugurated today.Image Source : JhaRahul_Bihar | India TV News

Engineering Marvel and Design Excellence

The Aunta–Simaria bridge is designed to handle modern traffic demands efficiently. The six-lane carriageway is complemented by footpaths on either side, while 18 towering pillars support the massive structure. Built using high-performance concrete with silica fume, the bridge incorporates 600 segments, each precisely engineered, with cantilever arms extending up to 70 meters. This extradosed cable-stayed design ensures durability and resilience in Bihar’s flood-prone regions.

The bridge runs parallel to the aging Rajendra Setu, a two-lane rail-cum-road bridge that has served the region for over seven decades. The new bridge alleviates the heavy congestion that previously forced long detours exceeding 100 kilometers, offering a faster and safer alternative for both freight and passenger traffic.

Economic and Social Impact

The inauguration of the Aunta–Simaria bridge is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and economic activity. By reducing travel time and distance for heavy vehicles, the bridge facilitates smoother movement of goods and people. Agricultural producers, including local makhana growers, and industrial hubs such as Barauni stand to benefit immensely.

In addition, the bridge strengthens access to cultural and heritage sites, notably Simaria Dham, the birthplace of the poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. By integrating modern infrastructure with cultural touchpoints, Bihar moves toward a balanced development model, combining economic growth with heritage preservation.

Inauguration and Public Reception

The inauguration ceremony drew dignitaries including Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, and Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary. Despite heavy rains, thousands of local residents gathered to witness the event, underscoring the bridge’s significance to the state’s population.

The Prime Minister highlighted the role of infrastructure in promoting regional development and improving quality of life, noting the bridge as a symbol of Bihar’s aspirations for progress and modernization.

Broader Infrastructure Initiatives

The Aunta–Simaria bridge forms part of a broader infrastructure push in Bihar, with projects totaling over ₹13,000 crore. These initiatives include the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur–Mokama segment, aimed at easing regional congestion, the Buxar 660 MW Thermal Power Plant, and healthcare projects such as the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Muzaffarpur. Tourism projects, including enhancements to the Buddha Circuit, are also part of the state’s vision to promote heritage and culture alongside development.

Such multi-sectoral initiatives demonstrate Bihar’s holistic approach to growth, linking transport, energy, healthcare, and tourism to create sustainable development across the state.

Conclusion

The Aunta–Simaria bridge stands as a testament to Bihar’s ambition and engineering prowess. By bridging geographical divides, facilitating trade, and improving accessibility to cultural sites, the bridge embodies a transformative infrastructure milestone. It not only addresses the immediate needs of traffic and transport efficiency but also sets the foundation for long-term economic growth, regional integration, and social upliftment in Bihar.

The successful completion and inauguration of Asia’s widest six-lane bridge highlight how modern infrastructure can blend with cultural heritage to empower communities, accelerate commerce, and foster sustainable development.

(Sources: India TV News, Moneycontrol, Livemint)