PM Modi Inaugurates India’s Widest Extradosed Cable-Stayed Bridge in Bihar

A major infrastructure boost for Bihar has happened today with the inauguration of the Aunta-Simaria Ganga Bridge, erected by Welspun Enterprises (WEL), the infrastructure arm of Welspun World. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the project, calling it a milestone in Bihar’s connectivity and economic development.

Spanning 1.8 km with a width of 34 meters, it is the widest extradosed cable-stayed bridge in India. The bridge forms part of an 8.15 km corridor connecting Aunta in Patna district with Simaria in Begusarai. The bridge saves travel time across the Ganga by more than one hour and constitutes a modern alternative to the 70-year-old Rajendra Setu located in its vicinity. Designed with spans ranging from 57 to 115 meters and cantilever arms going up to 70 metres, the bridge is designed for heavy vehicular loadings.

Jointly developed with the Bihar government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), it is anticipated that the project will change the regional economy. This improved link promotes access to industrial hubs such as Barauni and backs Bihar’s agribusiness, particularly the makhana industry, which was recently given ₹100 crores in the Union Budget. Farmers, businesses, and trade across North and South Bihar will thus have easier connectivity to larger marketplaces. Strategically, it also expedites troop movement toward the northeastern borders of India.

The project featured numerous engineering innovations. A Railway Under Bridge was constructed using Box Pushing Technology — the first project in India where a 24-metre-long single-cell box was pushed beneath a railway line with negligible disturbance. From raging river currents to soft soil and high water tables, the construction team faced a variety of challenges.

Welspun placed a strong emphasis on sustainability in execution by incorporating various water-saving techniques, utilizing pond ash in embankments, and using precast components and high-performance concrete to optimize material usage and durability.

“This bridge is not just an engineering marvel but a lifeline for Bihar,” said Welspun World Chairman B.K. Goenka. Welspun Managing Director Sandeep Garg added, “This project sets a new benchmark for infrastructure delivery in India.”

With the completion of the Aunta-Simaria Bridge, the connectivity of Bihar is further enhanced, regional economy uplifted, reaffirming Welspun Enterprises’ role in nation-critical infrastructure.