Nitish Kumar Inspects Ongoing Ganga Bridge Construction Linking Patna & Saran.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently conducted an inspection of the ongoing construction work on the six-lane Sherpur-Dighwara Ganga bridge, a vital infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity between Patna and Saran district. During his visit, the Chief Minister instructed concerned officials to expedite the project's completion.

The ambitious 14.52-km-long project, which includes a 9-km-long bridge, is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,200 crore. Once completed, the bridge will not only provide a crucial link across the Ganga but will also serve as an integral part of the proposed Patna Ring Road. The construction work is currently targeted for completion by 2027.

During the inspection, CM Kumar specifically directed officials to accelerate the construction to ensure seamless connectivity to the JP Ganga Path and the Bihta-Sarmera road, further integrating the region's transport network.

Officials at Sherpur informed the Chief Minister that the six-lane Ganga bridge is being built under the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This bridge is set to significantly reduce the travel distance between Chhapra in Saran and Bihta airport in Patna by at least 30 kilometers.

Beyond geographical connectivity, the bridge is expected to ease travel between North and South Bihar, benefiting commuters and residents, especially those living in the western parts of Patna. Its integration into the Patna Ring Road project will facilitate smoother travel in all four directions around the state capital.

A unique feature of the bridge will be a proposed ramp in its middle, on the west side of JP Setu, which will provide crucial connectivity to approximately 6.5 lakh people residing in 75 villages within the diara area of Patna.

Prominent officials present during the inspection included Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary to the CM; Secretary Anupam Kumar; Road Construction Department Secretary Sandeep Kumar R Pudakalkatti; RCD Secretary B Karthikeya Dhanji; CMO OSD Gopal Singh; Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh; Patna SSP Avkash Kumar; along with NHAI officials and engineers.