The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) successfully completed the Aunta (Mokama) – Simaria (Begusarai) Bridge Project on National Highway-31. The 8.15 km long project, built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,871 crore, features a 6-lane extra-dosed bridge over the Ganga River with 4-lane approach roads.The new structure, constructed parallel to the aging Rajendra Setu, provides a safer and more efficient route for heavy vehicles. It establishes a direct high-capacity link between North and South Bihar, improving connectivity, cutting travel distances, and ensuring smoother freight movement.A major relief will come for travelers on routes such as Gandhi Setu, which has long been burdened by high traffic. With the new bridge, the travel distance for freight and heavy vehicle traffic between North Bihar districts like Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, and Araria, and South Bihar regions including Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Lakhisarai, will reduce by nearly 150 kilometers.Officials said the project is expected to boost economic growth in surrounding districts by strengthening logistics, trade, and market access. It will also enhance connectivity to Simaria Dham, a revered pilgrimage site and the birthplace of noted Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.

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