Patna: The construction of Sherpur-Dighwara six-lane Ganga bridge is progressing rapidly. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is building a pontoon bridge to transport construction materials to the diara region, accelerating the project. According to NHAI officials, work in the diara area commenced after a reduction in the Ganga's water. The target is to complete the bridge by September 2027. Currently, well piling is underway at 17 locations, officials said.
"Construction of the six-lane bridge and its approach roads across the Ganga is part of the Patna Ring Road (NH-131G), starting from Sherpur in Patna to Dighwara (Hajipur-Chhapra four-lane) in Saran district. The project, being executed on engineering procurement and construction (EPC) mode, has a total length of 14km, including the bridge's length of 9km. The bridge consists of 103 foundations. So far, approximately 1.25% of the work, valued at Rs 37 crore, has been completed. Well foundation works and precast I-girder works are currently in progress," an NHAI official said.
The bridge is expected to ease vehicle movement between Patna and Chhapra. Freight vehicles will be able to bypass towns, travelling directly between north and south Bihar.
This infrastructure will directly benefit residents of Saran, Siwan and Gopalganj districts by creating a direct connection to the Bihta airport under construction. Once completed, the distance from Chhapra to Bihta airport will be reduced by 30-40km, eliminating the need for residents to travel via Sheetalpur, Sonepur or Hajipur to reach Patna.
"Built at an estimated cost of Rs 4,994 crore, the starting point of the bridge is in Sherpur, Patna, and its endpoint is in Chaknoor village, Dighwara, in Saran district," the NHAI official said. "The bridge will also provide direct connectivity to the people of Danapur diara near Ganghara village in Patna district. During the flood season, the diara area is surrounded by water on both sides. From Nov to June, a pontoon bridge serves as the only means of transport while boats are used for the remaining months. The new bridge will provide relief by enabling year-round road connectivity to Patna," the official added.