Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated one of Asia’s widest bridges, the Aunta Simaria bridge, in Bihar. Stretching over the Ganga, this engineering marvel is a crucial part of the NH 31 corridor and promises to reshape connectivity between Mokama in Patna and Begusarai. Built at a cost of more than INR 1,870 crore, the bridge is designed not just as a structure of scale but also as a lifeline for millions across north and south Bihar.
The bridge spans 8.15 kilometres with its main six lane section stretching 1.86 kilometres across the river. Supported by 18 massive pillars and hundreds of precision engineered segments, it allows smooth passage for vehicles of all sizes. Each side has a three lane carriageway and pedestrian pathways. For heavy vehicles that were earlier forced to take long detours due to restrictions on the Rajendra Setu, this new bridge cuts travel distance by nearly 100 kilometres, saving time, fuel and costs.
Dubbed a smart bridge, Aunta Simaria comes equipped with modern features such as CCTV cameras, digital display screens, LED lighting, landscaped green stretches and telephone facilities. Its advanced extra dosed segmental design showcases India’s rising strength in large scale bridge engineering. The project was first envisioned in 2017 when the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Modi, and today it stands as a landmark in India’s infrastructure journey.
For Bihar, this bridge is more than a transport link. It directly connects northern districts such as Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani and Araria with southern parts including Patna, Sheikhpura, Nawada and Lakhisarai. This seamless connectivity is expected to boost local trade, strengthen industries and create new opportunities for regional growth. The bridge also improves access to Simaria Dham, an important pilgrimage site and the birthplace of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, blending cultural heritage with modern connectivity.
The inauguration of Aunta Simaria is part of a larger push in the region’s infrastructure development. Alongside the bridge, the Prime Minister also launched the Bakhtiyarpur to Mokama highway section and flagged off two new trains including the Amrit Bharat Express from Gaya to Delhi and the Buddhist Circuit Train connecting Vaishali and Koderma. In West Bengal, he inaugurated new stretches of the Kolkata metro network to improve airport and city connectivity, while also laying the foundation stone for the six lane Kona Expressway to further strengthen road links.
The Aunta Simaria bridge is a symbol of modern Bihar, where tradition, culture and progress meet. It stands as both an architectural feat and a connector of people, businesses and heritage across the state.
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