PM Modi to Inaugurate Aunta Simaria Highway Project With 6-Lane Ganga Bridge Breakthrough

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Aunta-Simaria highway project in Bihar, which includes a 1.86-km six-lane bridge across the Ganga. The project, costing over Rs 1,870 crore, will provide direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai. The bridge, India’s widest extradosed cable-stayed structure, stands 34 metres wide and is India’s widest extradosed cable-stayed structure. The project is expected to drive economic growth in adjoining areas, particularly in north Bihar, which relies on south Bihar and Jharkhand for raw materials. It will also open up new opportunities for farmers and industrial hubs.

The bridge is built with high-performance concrete and a Railway Under Bridge using push-box technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the much-awaited Aunta-Simaria Highway Project along with the six-lane Ganga Bridge, a development that promises to (National Highways Authority) bring transformational change in Bihar’s road infrastructure. This project, which connects Aunta in Patna district to Simaria in Begusarai, holds the potential to boost connectivity across the state and strengthen the national highway network. The inauguration is being seen not just as an infrastructure milestone but also as a symbol of progress for North and South Bihar, creating faster routes for trade, travel, and economic growth.

The Aunta-Simaria project has been under the spotlight for several years as it addresses the long-standing demand of people for a modern bridge across the Ganga River. Bihar’s geography, divided by the river, has always posed challenges to transportation and logistics. With the new six-lane bridge, the situation is expected to change drastically. Once operational, the bridge will reduce traffic load on the old Simaria Bridge, ease congestion, and enable smooth movement for thousands of vehicles every day. According to officials, this project is part of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)’s wider plan to enhance road connectivity in eastern India, especially along the Delhi-Kolkata corridor.

Another major highlight of the project is its impact on regional connectivity. The bridge links Patna and Begusarai districts, thereby connecting important economic hubs. The stretch of highway is also expected to strengthen links between Patna, Mokama, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Purnea, making it a vital route for freight and passenger movement. This will not only reduce travel time but also cut fuel costs for long-distance travellers. The reduction in travel time is likely to encourage industrial growth in the areas surrounding Begusarai, which is often referred to as the “industrial capital of Bihar. The Ganga bridge is being constructed with state-of-the-art engineering techniques

To ensure durability and safety. The design takes into account the high water flow during floods, ensuring the bridge remains operational even in adverse weather conditions. In fact, engineers involved in the project have highlighted that the bridge has been designed to withstand seismic activity, given Bihar’s vulnerability to earthquakes. This makes the bridge not just a connectivity solution but also a resilient piece of infrastructure that will serve generations. From an economic perspective, the Aunta-Simaria Highway Project is expected to accelerate trade and commerce. Bihar is a key agricultural state, and smooth road connectivity will help farmers transport perishable goods more.

Efficiently Improved logistics will allow better access to markets in Patna, Kolkata, and even further afield. The Patna Metro Project, which is also under development, will complement this bridge by providing seamless multi-modal connectivity in the state capital, thus integrating highways and urban transit networks for smoother travel experiences The project also has implications for tourism and cultural exchanges. The Ganga is not just a river but a cultural lifeline of India, and regions along its banks are dotted with heritage sites and religious centres. With better access, pilgrims, tourists, and local travellers will find it easier to reach key destinations such as Simaria Ghat, famous for its.

Annual religious gatherings, and Rajbir and Nalanda, which are already well-connected via Patna. This synergy between modern infrastructure and cultural heritage is expected to boost Bihar’s tourism sector significantly. Environmentally, the project has been executed with safeguards to minimize impact on the Ganga’s ecosystem. Authorities have emphasized that proper environmental clearance was obtained, and measures such as afforestation drives and pollution-control mechanisms were included in the construction plan. This is particularly crucial because infrastructure projects along major rivers often face scrutiny for their ecological impact.

The project thus balances development with sustainability, aligning with India’s larger goals of eco-friendly infrastructure growth Politically, the inauguration comes at a time when the central government has been aggressively pushing for infrastructure development across the country. Just as the Patna Metro and Buxar thermal power project have been positioned as symbols of Bihar’s resurgence, the Aunta-Simaria Highway Project reinforces the government’s focus on bridging regional disparities. For the people of Bihar, this inauguration will be seen as a step towards inclusive growth and better connectivity with other parts of India.

In the long run, the benefits of this project will extend beyond Bihar. The Aunta-Simaria bridge lies on the strategic National Highway-31, which connects important economic corridors. Faster movement of goods between eastern states like West Bengal and northeastern states will provide a boost to India’s logistics sector. Moreover, the highway will ease the flow of goods to North Bihar and Nepal, enhancing cross-border trade opportunities.

In conclusion, the inauguration of the Aunta-Simaria Highway Project with the six-lane Ganga Bridge is more than just a road project it represents a lifeline for Bihar’s future development. From reducing traffic congestion to fostering industrial growth, from supporting agriculture to boosting tourism, and from strengthening national connectivity to improving local livelihoods, the bridge (NHAI) stands as a symbol of progress. With such large-scale projects underway, Bihar is on its way to becoming better integrated into India’s economic mainstream, fulfilling the aspirations of millions who have long awaited modern infrastructure solutions.