Bihar Elections: 80% Work Done, Asia's Longest River Bridge On Kosi May Be Completed By Year-End

News18

2 days ago

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The bridge is expected to drastically cut the distance between Supaul and Madhubani—from over 100 km to just 30 km—and improve connectivity to Patna from flood-prone regions
The Kosi River—known as both the lifeline and the sorrow of Bihar—is poised to become home to Asia's longest river road bridge soon. The over 13-km structure between Madhubani and Supaul has crossed 80 per cent completion as of July, and is likely to be completed by year-end, News18 has learnt.
The two-lane bridge between Bheja and Bakaur is being constructed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Of the total 13.3 km length, at least 10.2 km is the main bridge comprising 170 spans. Each span length is about 60m.
The NHAI has termed the 'engineering marvel' Asia's Longest River Bridge. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2014.
Of the 171 well foundations and substructures planned, over 165 have been completed as of July. As the name suggests, well foundations are the deep foundations used for bridge construction in rivers and other water bodies. Substructure is the supporting components below the deck level, primarily consisting of piers and abutments.
Segments, which are assembled to form the bridge deck, have also seen significant progress, with 2,660 of 3,400 completed.
'With construction advancing at pace, we expect the bridge to be completed and ready for use by the end of this year," they said, seeking anonymity.
The Kosi River is one of India's most unpredictable and flood-prone rivers. Originating in Tibet and flowing through Nepal before entering Bihar, it carries enormous sediment load from the Himalayas, causing it to frequently change course and flood large swathes of land.
Despite the devastation it brings during monsoons, the Kosi is also a lifeline for North Bihar—supporting agriculture, fishing, and daily life for millions. Its dual character as both nurturer and destroyer has shaped the socio-economic landscape of the region for centuries.
Last year, in March, a portion of the under-construction bridge collapsed, killing one and injuring nine others.
The bridge is expected to drastically cut the distance between Supaul and Madhubani—from over 100 km to just 30 km—and improve connectivity to Patna from flood-prone regions. The project's completion could be a key highlight ahead of Bihar's assembly elections, with the current government's term ending in November.
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