Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary assures permanent bridge linking Saran and Ballia
Synopsis
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has publicly committed to replacing a seasonal pontoon bridge with a permanent structure linking Saran in Bihar and Ballia in Uttar Pradesh — pledging to personally take up the matter with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. For thousands of residents straddling two states, this assurance marks the strongest official push yet for all-weather connectivity.
Key Takeaways
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary assured a permanent bridge between Revealganj (Saran, Bihar) and Sitab Diara (Ballia, UP) on 12 November 2026 .
The assurance came during the inauguration of Atal Dwar at Jharam Ghat in Saran district.
Choudhary pledged to meet Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to initiate the project, which requires central coordination.
Local MLA Chhoti Kumari submitted a memorandum with three demands : the bridge, a Marine Drive from Bishunpura to Revelganj, and inclusion of Ahilya Sthan Godna in the Ram Circuit.
The existing pontoon bridge is seasonal and weather-dependent, leaving residents on both sides disconnected during floods.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday, 12 November 2026, assured that the state government will push for a permanent bridge connecting Revealganj in Saran district of Bihar with Sitab Diara in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, replacing the existing pontoon bridge arrangement. The assurance, delivered at the inauguration of the Atal Dwar at Jharam Ghat in Saran district, has renewed long-standing hopes among residents of both regions for all-weather, uninterrupted connectivity.
Key Developments at Jharam Ghat
The Chief Minister was in Saran to inaugurate the Atal Dwar at Jharam Ghat, where he also inspected Atal Vatika, Yagyashala, and Jeevika Rasoi — all developed as part of a rejuvenation initiative at Ram Ghat. He further unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee and paid floral tribute to him at the site.
MLA's Three-Point Demand Memo
Local MLA Chhoti Kumari met Choudhary during the visit and submitted a memorandum containing three major development demands for the region. Her primary demand was the construction of a permanent bridge between Revelganj and Sitabdiara, arguing it would deliver reliable, year-round connectivity to thousands of residents while strengthening trade, social interaction, and economic ties between the two states. Her second demand called for the expedited construction of a Marine Drive connecting Bishunpura and Revelganj, which she said would improve regional access and spur development. Her third proposal was to include Ahilya Sthan Godna — believed to be the maternal ancestral home of Lord Hanuman — in the Ram Circuit, a move she said could promote religious tourism and generate local employment.
What the CM Promised
Responding to the demands, Choudhary stated he would personally meet Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss the permanent bridge project and initiate the necessary steps. The commitment signals that the Centre's involvement will be sought, given that the bridge would cross a river connecting two states — Bihar and Uttar Pradesh — requiring inter-state coordination and likely central funding.
Why the Bridge Matters
Notably, Sitab Diara is a unique settlement straddling both Saran district (Chhapra) of Bihar and Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, making reliable cross-river connectivity a practical necessity for everyday life. The area currently relies on a pontoon bridge, which is seasonal and weather-dependent, leaving residents cut off during floods or high-water seasons. This is a longstanding demand that has gained fresh momentum following the CM's public assurance. A permanent bridge would directly benefit farmers, traders, students, and healthcare seekers on both sides of the river.
What Happens Next
All eyes are now on the proposed meeting between CM Choudhary and Minister Gadkari, which will determine whether the project moves into formal project planning and receives central support under the national highway or river bridge connectivity programmes. No timeline for the meeting or project commencement has been announced yet.
Point of View
But inter-state infrastructure projects routinely stall in administrative limbo between state PWDs and the Centre. The real test of Choudhary's pledge will be whether a formal DPR and central project approval follow within this financial year.
NationPress
12 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What bridge has Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary promised to build?
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has assured construction of a permanent bridge between Revealganj in Saran district of Bihar and Sitab Diara in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. The permanent structure would replace the existing seasonal pontoon bridge that currently provides the only river crossing on this route.
Why is a permanent bridge needed between Saran and Ballia?
The area currently relies on a pontoon bridge, which is not operational during floods or high-water seasons, leaving thousands of residents without reliable connectivity. Sitab Diara uniquely straddles both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, making year-round access critical for daily commuters, farmers, traders, and students.
What will Bihar CM Choudhary do next to advance the bridge project?
Choudhary stated he will personally meet Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss the project and initiate necessary steps. Central involvement is likely required given the inter-state nature of the bridge.
What else was demanded by local MLA Chhoti Kumari?
Along with the permanent bridge, MLA Chhoti Kumari sought expedited construction of a Marine Drive connecting Bishunpura and Revelganj, and the inclusion of Ahilya Sthan Godna — believed to be the maternal ancestral home of Lord Hanuman — in the Ram Circuit to boost religious tourism.
Where exactly is Sitab Diara located?
Sitab Diara is a village that straddles two states — parts of it fall in Saran district (Chhapra) of Bihar, while other parts extend into Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. This unusual geography makes reliable inter-state connectivity especially important for residents.
