Bakhtiyarpur-Tajpur Ganga bridge likely to open by May 2026

Patna: If work progresses as planned, the multi-crore Bakhtiyarpur-Tajpur mega road bridge is expected to be ready for commissioning and public use by May next year.

The bridge, being constructed across the river Ganga at a cost of Rs 1,822 crore, will connect national highway-31 at Karjan near Bakhtiarpur on the southern side of the river with Tajpur on national highway-28 in Samastipur district on the northern bank. Apart from providing an alternative route linking south and north Bihar, the bridge is also considered strategically important.


Chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit reviewed the progress of the project on Tuesday during an assessment meeting of works under the road construction department, along with two major projects of the water resources department. He said around 65 % of the work on the mega bridge has already been completed and directed officials and representatives of the executing agency to ensure completion by May 2026.

He also asked officials to remove obstacles affecting the construction of two road overbridges linked to the project without any delay.

Two water resources department projects were also reviewed. Regarding the centrally aided North Koel reservoir irrigation project worth Rs 1,367 crore, it was informed that land acquisition for the construction of the right main canal in Aurangabad and Gaya districts has gained momentum. In Aurangabad, 36.306 hectares of land have been acquired against a target of 41.251 hectares, while in Gaya, 80.045 hectares have been acquired against 96.749 hectares.

In the right main canal area, 1,170 electric poles and 18 transformers have already been shifted. The process for allotment of work under package-7 has begun, with three bids received and technical evaluation under way. Tenders for canal distributaries in Nabinagar, Amba, Aurangabad and Madanpur divisions have been floated and are scheduled to be opened on Dec 24. Irrigation water will be supplied to about 2,100 hectares through pumps at 12 points on the canal.

Reviewing the Mandai weir and canal network project, the chief secretary directed officials to ensure unencumbered land acquisition for right and left canals and proper compensation to landowners as per the concerned mauja. Six junior engineers and four assistant engineers have already been appointed for project oversight.

Senior officials from the road construction, water resources, planning and development, and finance departments participated in the review through videoconferencing.

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