Will PM Modi Inaugurate the Aunta–Simaria Six-Lane Ganga Bridge on August 22?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Aunta–Simaria bridge spans 8.15 km and connects critical regions in Bihar.
- It will reduce travel distances by up to 100 km for heavy vehicles.
- The bridge is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve trade and tourism.
- PM Modi's initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing infrastructure in Bihar.
- The inauguration of the bridge coincides with the launch of several other development projects.
Patna, Aug 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to officially open the eagerly anticipated Aunta–Simaria six-lane bridge spanning the Ganga on August 22 during his visit to Bihar.
The bridge, constructed at a projected cost of Rs 1,871 crore, is being celebrated as a beacon of modern infrastructure in the state.
This 8.15-km bridge links Aunta Ghat in Mokama (Patna district) to Simaria in Begusarai, positioned parallel to the nearly 70-year-old Rajendra Setu.
With the Rajendra Setu currently undergoing repairs and heavy vehicles prohibited from using it, traffic flow between north and south Bihar has been severely hampered for years.
The new bridge will facilitate direct connectivity and mitigate congestion. Officials report it will reduce travel distance by up to 100 km for heavy vehicles traveling between districts like Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, and Araria in the north, and Patna, Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Lakhisarai in the south.
This bridge will also simplify access for devotees heading to the esteemed pilgrimage location of Simaria Dham, the birthplace of the illustrious poet Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’.
Currently, only one lane is operational, but starting August 22, both lanes will be open to traffic.
In addition to the Ganga bridge, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the 44.6-km four-lane Bakhtiyarpur–Mokama road, built at a cost of Rs 1,899 crore.
This will establish seamless four-lane connectivity from Patna to Khagaria via Mokama and Begusarai. The Patna–Bakhtiyarpur segment is already functioning.
The Aunta–Simaria bridge was initially proposed by PM Modi in 2015 as part of a special package for Bihar.
He later laid its foundation stone in 2017, marking the commencement of what officials have characterized as a “transformational journey” for the state’s connectivity.
During his visit to Bihar, the Prime Minister is also set to address a public meeting at Magadh University in Gaya and inaugurate or lay the groundwork for over 30 development projects valued at Rs 1,675 crore.
Once fully operational, the Aunta–Simaria bridge is expected to alleviate long-standing traffic congestion, enhance connectivity between Bihar and the northeast, lower fuel expenses for transporters, and provide a significant boost to regional trade and cultural tourism.