PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 1,870 Crore Aunta–Simaria Bridge Project, Enhancing Connectivity Between North and South Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (22 August) inaugurated the Aunta–Simaria bridge project on National Highway-31, marking a significant boost to road connectivity in Bihar.

The 8.15 km long project includes a 1.86 km six-lane bridge across the Ganga, built at a cost of over Rs 1,870 crore.

The bridge provides direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai, offering a much-needed alternative to the ageing Rajendra Setu — a two-lane rail-cum-road bridge in poor condition.

For years, heavy vehicles were forced to take detours of more than 100 km due to restrictions on the old structure. The new bridge eliminates this diversion, cutting travel time and easing congestion across the region.

The project strengthens links between North Bihar (Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, Araria etc) with South Bihar regions (Sheikhpura, Nawada, Lakhisarai etc). Improved road access is expected to accelerate trade, particularly for industries in North Bihar that rely on raw materials from South Bihar and Jharkhand.

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National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Member Anil Choudhary explained that the bridge has been built parallel to the ageing Rajendra Setu, a two-lane rail-cum-road bridge in poor condition.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary noted that the project will ease congestion, lower fuel consumption and cut operating costs for freight movement across the state. The improved link is also expected to accelerate trade for industries in North Bihar that depend on raw materials from South Bihar and Jharkhand.

The bridge additionally enhances access to Simaria Dham, a prominent pilgrimage centre and the birthplace of Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, opening avenues for religious tourism.

Beyond economic gains, the bridge also improves access to Simaria Dham, a major pilgrimage site and the birthplace of renowned Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, potentially boosting religious tourism.

Officials noted that the bridge not only relieves traffic pressure but also lays the foundation for stronger regional integration and sustained economic growth in Bihar.

Before inaugurating the bridge, PM laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around Rs 13,000 crore at Gaya.

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