In a historic leap for infrastructure and regional connectivity, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the first phase of the six-lane Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur Bridge today, marking a milestone in the state's transportation history. Stretching across the mighty Ganga, this engineering marvel is set to become India’s longest extra-dosed cable-stayed bridge.

The bridge, a crucial segment of the 22.76-kilometer-long project, spans 6 kilometers from Patna to Raghopur Diara. Once fully operational, it will measure nearly 20 kilometers from Kacchi Dargah to Bidupur, drastically reducing the travel distance between North and South Bihar by around 60 kilometers.

A Long-Awaited Lifeline for Raghopur

For the people of Raghopur Diara—an area surrounded by the Ganges on all sides—this bridge is nothing short of transformative. For the first time in 76 years since India’s independence, residents will enjoy year-round road access to Patna, eliminating the need for boat crossings or temporary monsoon bridges that once isolated them for months.

Approximately 5 lakh people from villages like Pahadpur, Juravanpur, Fatehpur, Birpur, Chaksingar, Rampur, and Shivnagar will benefit directly from the enhanced connectivity. The bridge will link National Highway 30 near Sabalpur in Patna with NH-103 near Chaksikandar in Vaishali, with further plans to connect to the six-lane Amas-Darbhanga corridor.

Engineering Excellence: Built to Last

This colossal project, built at a cost of ₹4,988 crore, is being executed by infrastructure giant L&T in collaboration with South Korea’s Daewoo. Of this budget, ₹696 crore was earmarked for land acquisition and ₹4,291 crore for construction. More than ₹4,500 crore has already been spent.

The bridge's design employs a balanced cantilever technique with 67 robust pillars and extra-dosed cable support. With 150-meter gaps between pillars, it allows smooth passage for large vessels. Positioned 13 meters above the Ganga’s water level, the structure remains accessible even during peak floods. Each span can bear loads exceeding 936 tons—testament to its strength and resilience.

Enhanced Mobility and Tourist Appeal

Eight ramps and two flyovers complement the main structure, easing traffic flow and integrating the bridge with the broader highway network. High-mast solar-powered lighting adds to the bridge’s sustainability and visibility at night. Viewing platforms are planned to offer visitors a chance to spot dolphins in the Ganges, adding an unexpected ecotourism angle to the infrastructure project.

Moreover, a highway museum near Sabalpur is on the cards. This will not only serve as an educational hub for engineering students and researchers but also act as a tourism draw.

Economic Boost and Strategic Connectivity

The new bridge is poised to become a vital trade and travel artery for Bihar. Industrial goods from Fatuha and Sabalpur can now be transported seamlessly to North Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and even across the border to Nepal.

As an alternative to the congested Gandhi Setu, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, and Rajendra Setu, this bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic pressure. It will also create a direct link between the Magadh region and states like Jharkhand and Odisha, enhancing regional commerce and travel.

The Road Ahead: Completion Expected by September 2025

The second phase—from Raghopur to Bidupur—is more than 80% complete, with the foundational structures, pillars, and cable systems already in place. However, construction may face delays if the Ganga floods during the monsoon season. The final handover of the project is slated for September 2025.

Despite being five years behind its original 2020 deadline—owing to COVID-19 disruptions, land acquisition hurdles, and seasonal flooding—the project has seen tremendous effort on the ground. Over 7,000 workers and 1,000 engineers are laboring across both stretches, with 2,000 focused on the Patna–Raghopur segment and 5,000 working from Raghopur to Bidupur.