Begusarai, August 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday inaugurated the newly built 6-lane Ganga bridge connecting Onta (Mokama) and Simaria (Begusarai) by cutting the ribbon at Simaria Dham.
The 8.15-km project includes a 1.865-km bridge over the Ganga, constructed parallel to the old Rajendra Setu at a cost of ₹1,871 crore. After the inauguration, Modi and Kumar inspected the bridge, which is expected to provide modern road connectivity between north and south Bihar.
A grand cultural programme was held to welcome the Prime Minister, with thousands of people lining the roads to greet both leaders. Modi also held a roadshow, during which the crowd raised slogans in support of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister. The two leaders acknowledged the greetings by shaking hands with the public.
Authorities said the bridge will significantly ease traffic that had been diverted due to the closure of heavy vehicle movement on the dilapidated Rajendra Setu. Earlier, vehicles were forced to take a 100-km detour. With the new bridge, the journey is reduced to just 8 km, saving considerable time and fuel.
Officials noted that the bridge will reduce logistics costs and spur economic activity in the region. Local businesses and agricultural producers, including makhana, banana, milk and maize farmers, are expected to benefit from better access to larger markets. The improved connectivity is also projected to create new employment opportunities.
