NABARD sanctions fund for bridge construction in Bihar

Patna, Jul 9: The NABARD has sanctioned loan of Rs 235.50 crore to the Bihar government for construction of a high-level bridge across river Gandak in Gopalganj district under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund.

NABARD General Manager M M Mishra said here today that the total cost of the project is Rs 317.99 crore and the state government will have to bear Rs 82.49 crore of the share on the project which will be executed by the Bihar Rajya Pul Nirmaan Nigam Limited.

The proposed two-lane bridge of 1500 metres length will directly connect Gopalganj district to West Champaran district, he said, adding that once the construction work was over, journey between the two districts will be convenient as at present the vehicular traffic has to cross river Gandak at Dumaria Ghat bridge taking the route via NH 28.

The local people would also be saved from the dangers of crossing rivers through boats, he said and maintained that the distance between Gopalganj and Bettiah will also be reduced by 87 kms after the construction of the bridge.

Mr Mishra further said the NABARD was also concentrating on strengthening of embankments.

He said the NABARD was investing on construction of bridge (1500 metres), construction of approach road (16.14 km) on both sides of the bridge and construction of guide bund in upstream and downstream of the bridge.

The project is likely to be completed within 36 months, he informed, saying that the proposed bridge will link East and West Champaran district of Bihar and districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh via Gopalganj. It will also link 38 villages and 12 marketing centres.

About 1.80 lakh population will be directly benefitted after the construction of the bridge. It will have multiplier effect on the development of the region through improvement in connectivity and accessibility, Mr Mishra said.

UNI