PM Modi inaugurates Aunta-Simaria Bridge in Bihar: Here's all you need to know about Asia's widest bridge over Ganga river
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 1.86 km six-lane Aunta–Simaria Bridge over the Ganga in Bihar, Asia’s widest cable-stayed bridge, boosting connectivity, reducing travel by 100 km, and enhancing trade, tourism, and regional growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Aunta–Simaria bridge over the Ganga River in Bihar today, August 22, 2025, accompanied by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Waving to the crowd and standing on the bridge, PM Modi highlighted the project as a major step in strengthening Bihar’s infrastructure and connectivity. (Image: X/@narendramodi)
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Spanning 1.86 km and built at a cost of over Rs 1,870 crore, the new six-lane Aunta–Simaria Bridge runs alongside the nearly seven-decade-old Rajendra Setu, a two-lane rail-cum-road bridge. Part of the 8.15 km Aunta–Simaria project on NH-31, it will cut travel distances for heavy vehicles by more than 100 km, enhancing trade and connectivity between North and South Bihar. Key things to know about the Aunta–Simaria Bridge: (Image: X/@narendramodi)
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Asia’s Widest Ganga Bridge The 34-metre-wide cable-stayed bridge is India’s widest extradosed bridge over the Ganga, showcasing modern engineering marvels. (Image: Welspun Enterprises)
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Six-Lane Highway Connectivity Connecting Mokama in Patna district with Begusarai, it provides a direct route on NH-31, reducing detours and easing congestion in other areas. (Image: X/ @JhaRahul_Bihar)
Parallel to Old Rajendra Setu Constructed alongside the dilapidated Rajendra Setu, it provides a safe and modern alternative for heavy vehicles, which previously had to take circuitous detours. (Image: X/ @JhaRahul_Bihar)
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Engineering Excellence Segment lengths range from 57 to 115 metres with 70-metre cantilever arms. Specialized materials like silica fume were used for high-performance concrete, ensuring durability for decades. (Image: PIB Patna)
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Railway Under Bridge A Railway Under Bridge (RUB) was constructed using Push Box Technology, ensuring uninterrupted rail operations during construction. (Image: X/ @JhaRahul_Bihar)
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Reduces Travel Time & Distance Heavy vehicles traveling between North Bihar (Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, Araria) and South Bihar (Sheikhpura, Nawada, Lakhisarai) will save over 100 km per journey. (Image: PIB Patna)
Economic Boost The bridge is expected to energize trade, support local industries, and enhance economic activity, especially in North Bihar. (Image: PIB)
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Tourism & Cultural Connectivity It also improves access to Simaria Dham, a famous pilgrimage site and the birthplace of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. (Image: PIB Patna)
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Durability for Heavy Traffic Designed to withstand high volumes of traffic, the bridge combines advanced construction methods with long-term structural reliability. (Image: PIB)
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Other Projects Inaugurated During the visit, PM Modi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth nearly Rs 13,000 crore, spanning energy, health, and urban development sectors. These projects aim to boost employment, strengthen industries, and improve lives across Bihar. (Image: PIB)
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The Aunta–Simaria bridge is more than just a transport link; it is a symbol of Bihar’s growing infrastructure narrative. By connecting North and South Bihar, it reduces travel time, improves trade efficiency, and opens new avenues for economic growth and regional development. For communities on both sides of the Ganga, the bridge represents progress, connectivity, and the promise of a brighter future. (Image: PIB)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
