Bihar's Kachchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge Nears Completion, Set for April Launch
Patna: In a significant boost to Bihar's infrastructure, the ambitious 19.76-kilometer-long six-lane Kachchi Dargah-Bidupur road-cum-bridge project is progressing smoothly and is expected to be inaugurated and opened for public use by April this year. This development emerged following a detailed inspection visit by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to the Kachchi Dargah site on Sunday, where he reviewed the ongoing construction efforts.
Project Overview and Strategic Importance
The massive infrastructure undertaking comprises a 9.76-kilometer six-lane bridge complemented by a 10-kilometer-long approach road. Once operational, this project is poised to dramatically improve north-south connectivity across Bihar, while simultaneously alleviating the chronic traffic congestion on the parallel-running Mahatma Gandhi Setu. Officials present during the CM's visit confirmed that a substantial portion of the construction has already been finalized, with the remaining work firmly on schedule for an April completion.
The Kachchi Dargah end of this integrated bridge-road structure is strategically located on National Highway 30 in Patna. Its counterpart, the Bidupur end, connects directly to National Highway 103 in Vaishali district on the opposite bank of the River Ganga. Upon its commissioning, Patna will proudly host three mega bridges spanning the Ganga: the existing Mahatma Gandhi Setu and J P Ganga Setu, alongside the new Kachchi Dargah-Bidupur bridge.
Chief Minister's Directives and Vision for Development
During his site visit, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar issued clear instructions to officials to accelerate work on both the main bridge and the two approach road segments. "The completion of this project will provide unencumbered connectivity with Patna for residents on the other side of the river," the CM emphasized. He elaborated on the broader implications, stating that it would catalyze the development of the surrounding area, spurring agricultural, industrial, and various other economic activities. Furthermore, he highlighted a critical benefit for public welfare: in medical emergencies, patients will be able to reach Patna's healthcare facilities smoothly and without delay.
The Chief Minister also underscored the necessity for regular, rigorous inspections of the ongoing work. He directed officials to ensure that all construction activities are carried out expeditiously and concluded within the strictly stipulated timeline. Nitish Kumar pointed out that this new mega bridge will serve as a vital alternative route for crossing the Ganga, facilitating travel between northern and southern Bihar. He added a forward-looking note, revealing that the upcoming Amas-Darbhanga Expressway will be seamlessly linked with the Kachchi Dargah-Bidupur road. This integration is designed to enable easier and smoother travel towards key districts like Samastipur, Darbhanga, and Madhubani.
"We have always been committed to providing quality roads and bridges to ensure unencumbered connectivity and travel for our citizens," the Chief Minister affirmed, reiterating his administration's focus on infrastructural advancement.
Phased Construction and Project Timeline
The execution of this landmark project has been structured into three distinct phases:
- Phase One: This initial segment, providing 4.57 kilometers of connectivity from Kachchi Dargah in Patna to Raghopur Diara in Vaishali district, was successfully inaugurated by the Chief Minister on June 25 of the previous year.
- Phase Two: This phase involves construction from the Hajipur-Mahnar National Highway 122B to Chaksikandarpur on National Highway 322.
- Phase Three: Work is currently actively underway on this final segment, which extends from Raghopur Diara to the Hajipur-Mahnar National Highway 122 road.
The coordinated progress across these phases keeps the project firmly on track for its anticipated April inauguration, marking a new chapter in Bihar's transportation network.
