Patna, Aug 22 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the much-awaited six-lane bridge over the Ganga River at Simaria Ganga Dham in Begusarai, touted as Asia’s widest bridge of its kind. Built at a cost of ₹1,871 crore, the project fulfills a long-standing demand of the region.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joined the Prime Minister in cutting the ribbon and walking a short stretch on the bridge amid cheers from the crowd, which gathered despite heavy rain. The atmosphere was festive, with locals describing Simaria Dham as being decorated “like a bride” for the occasion.
The bridge, whose foundation stone was laid by PM Modi in October 2017, connects Aunta village in Mokama block of Patna district with Simaria Dham in Begusarai. Officials said it would significantly reduce travel time between Patna and Begusarai while boosting connectivity, trade, employment opportunities, and industrial growth in the region.
For locals, the inauguration marked a milestone. Many said reaching Patna had earlier been difficult, but the new bridge now makes travel faster and more convenient. “Whether it is rain or hail, we came from far away to see the Prime Minister. Today, a long-awaited dream has been fulfilled,” said one enthusiastic attendee.
PM Modi acknowledged the crowd, waving multiple times and interacting briefly with supporters as he inspected the bridge. Despite the downpour, people waited hours to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister, underscoring the significance of the event.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 14 projects worth ₹12,992 crore in Gaya, reinforcing the government’s focus on infrastructure development in Bihar.
