Bihar Gets a Boost: NHAI Completes 6-Lane Ganga Bridge on NH-31, Reducing Travel Distance by 150 KM

The Aunta-Simaria Bridge Project by NHAI enhances connectivity in Bihar, reducing travel distances and improving freight movement across the Ganga River.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully completed the construction of the Aunta (Mokama) – Simaria (Begusarai) Bridge Project on National Highway-31, featuring a 6-lane extra-dosed bridge over the Ganga River. The total length of the project is 8.15 km, with an estimated cost of ₹1,871 crore.

This crucial infrastructure project establishes a direct and high-capacity link between North and South Bihar, significantly improving regional connectivity, reducing travel distances, and enhancing freight movement. Constructed parallel to the aging Rajendra Setu (a 2-lane rail-cum-road bridge), this modern structure offers a safer and more efficient route for heavy vehicles.

Executing Agency: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Length: 8.15 km Estimated Cost: ₹1,871 crore Project Scope: 6-lane extra-dosed bridge over the Ganga, with 4-lane approach roads Project Status: Completed

The bridge eases congestion on existing routes like Gandhi Setu, currently burdened with high traffic volume. It will reduce travel distance by nearly 150 kilometers for freight and heavy vehicle traffic between North Bihar districts (Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Araria) and South Bihar regions (Sheikhpura, Nawada, Lakhisarai and beyond). The project is expected to catalyze economic growth in surrounding districts by improving logistics, trade, and access to key markets. It also enhances connectivity to Simaria Dham, a revered pilgrimage site and the birthplace of noted Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.