Asia’s Longest River Bridge Nears Completion in Bihar Breakthrough

Asia’s longest river bridge, spanning 13.3 km across the Kosi River, is nearing completion, connecting flood-prone regions to Patna via NH-27 and enhancing access to key pilgrimage sites. Bihar is on the verge of a major infrastructure milestone as Asia’s longest river bridge, the Aguwani-Sultanganj Ganga Bridge, nears completion. Spanning approximately 30 km, this mega bridge is being constructed over the Ganga River and will connect Khajuria and Bhagalpur districts, significantly reducing travel time and boosting regional connectivity. As per recent updates from the Bihar Road Construction Department, the project has entered its final phase and is expected to be inaugurated in the coming months. This development is set to complement other regional upgrades like.

Structural and Engineering Highlights

The Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge will feature a six-lane roadway and be designed to withstand high-speed vehicular movement, floods, and heavy monsoon impacts. Built with advanced segmental construction and pre-stressed concrete technology, it will be one of India’s most technically complex river bridges. The structure’s design is intended to support both regular traffic and emergency evacuations, should the need arise. With a total estimated cost of over ₹3,000 crore, the project is being executed by top infrastructure firms under the supervision of the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation. The project cost is estimated at over ₹3,000 crore and is being executed under the supervision of the Bihar government and national agencies like (Road Transport and Highways).

Connectivity and Travel Benefits

This bridge will drastically cut down the travel distance between northern and southern Bihar. Currently, travellers have to use the Munger Ganga Bridge or travel via Patna, resulting in long detours. With the new bridge, travel time between Khajuria and Bhagalpur will reduce by nearly 4–5 hours. This will not only benefit daily commuters but also improve access to educational and healthcare institutions in Bhagalpur for residents of remote regions. The bridge will also integrate with upcoming regional expressways, providing smooth passage for freight and commercial vehicles. The Aguwani-Sultanganj Bridge is designed to meet global engineering standards. It stretches across a flood-prone zone of the Ganga River, so special attention has been given to structural integrity and safety.

Economic and Social Impact

Once operational, the bridge is expected to catalyze economic development in backward regions of Bihar, particularly in Khajuria, Madhapur, and parts of Bhagalpur. Local industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and handicrafts will have easier access to major markets. According to analysts, this connectivity boost may also attract investments in logistics parks and food processing units. Moreover, the bridge will enhance disaster response during annual floods by enabling faster deployment of relief materials across the river. The piers are built on deep foundations with seismic-resistant design, making the bridge capable of withstanding Zone V earthquake shocks. In addition to automated toll collection systems and real-time traffic monitoring, the bridge will include LED lighting, lane-marking systems, and emergency SOS call boxes.

Alignment with National Infrastructure Vision

This project is a key part of the Bihar government’s larger infrastructure plan and complements central initiatives under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It joins the ranks of other transformative projects like (Solar), highlighting the state’s emergence as a growing infrastructure hub. Officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) have also praised the progress of the bridge, calling it a “game-changer” for the region. As construction wraps up and final touches are applied, the Aguwani-Sultanganj Bridge is poised to become a symbol of modern engineering and regional transformation in Bihar.