Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated one of Asia’s widest six-lane road bridges over the Ganga River at Simaria Ganga Dham in Begusarai district, Bihar.
Joined by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, PM Modi cut the ceremonial ribbon and walked a short distance on the bridge while waving to enthusiastic supporters who had gathered in large numbers, despite heavy rain.
Locals described the event as historic, with Simaria Dham decorated ‘like a bride’ and people arriving from distant towns and villages to witness the long-awaited opening.
The bridge project had been a long-standing demand in the region.
PM Modi had originally laid its foundation stone in October 2017. After years of construction and an investment of ₹1,871 crore, the bridge has now become a reality.
Engineers have touted the newly inaugurated bridge as the widest six-lane bridge built across the Ganga River in Asia.
Improved Connectivity and Economic Impact
The bridge links Aunta village in Mokama block of Patna district with Simaria Dham in Begusarai, dramatically cutting down travel time between the two key regions.
According to officials, the bridge is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance connectivity between northern and southern Bihar, and contribute to economic development by boosting trade, industrial activity, and job opportunities.
Residents expressed gratitude for the infrastructure upgrade, citing years of difficulty in accessing the state capital. “Earlier, travelling to Patna was time-consuming and difficult. Now, we can reach the city much faster,” said a local resident.
Despite the rainfall, large crowds waited patiently for the Prime Minister’s arrival.
PM Modi acknowledged their enthusiasm, repeatedly waving and briefly interacting with supporters while inspecting the bridge.
One attendee said, “Whether it’s rain or hail, we came from far away just to see the Prime Minister. Today marks the fulfilment of a long-standing dream.”
Earlier the same day, PM Modi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 14 infrastructure and welfare projects worth ₹12,992 crore in Gaya. These include key projects in energy, health, employment, and urban development.
The dual developments underline the NDA government’s commitment to accelerating Bihar’s growth, with a focus on bridging regional infrastructure gaps and improving the quality of life.
Also Read: Overflow Crowd Gathers Outside Kolkata Rally To Watch PM Modi’s Address
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