History of Mahatma Gandhi Setu
The bridge was asked to be commissioned by the Bihar State Road Development Corporation. In 1969, the Central Government approved, and construction was assigned to the largest civil engineering construction company in India, Gammon India Limited. Works began in 1972 and took 10 years for completion. Supposed to have been opened to the public in 1978, it was the subject of delays due to natural disasters and workers' strikes.
It took around INR 87 crores approximately to cover the building and maintaining expenses. It is now maintained by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Before Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Rajendra Setu, a bridge with a two-lane road and a single line railway track were the only means of road communication between north and south Bihar.
Engineering Details of Mahatma Gandhi Setu
Constructed by India's largest civil engineering construction company, the bridge is considered to be an engineering marvel by many. The bridge has 45 spans of 121 meters each and one span of 65.53 meters on both sides. Cantilever slabs with hinge bearings and box girders were used. This kind of technology being used back in the 1970s truly makes this one of the best feats of Indian engineering. The building of the bridge cost a whopping 88 crore.
Recent Developments
The bridge is now in a dilapidated condition owing to the massive overload caused by thousands of vehicles passing by. Heavy exceeding traffic has caused a rise of pollution and accidents. Chaos and congestion in the form of long traffic jams are a daily affair. The condition of the bridge is so delicate that it might crumble down at any given moment.
After 15 years of failed efforts made by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the repair work for the bridge in January 2017. The existing superstructure shall be dismantled, and a complete rehabilitation is to be done. Meanwhile, two pontoon bridges running parallel to the setu have been constructed to facilitate decongestion of overflowing traffic.
Things To See at Mahatma Gandhi Setu
The scenic view of the river Ganga validates the vastness of the nation's largest and the world?s third largest river by discharge. The 5.7-kilometer long viaduct is an engineering marvel and beautiful sight to see at night when it is brightened up by different coloured lights.
Best time to visit Mahatma Gandhi Setu
Any time of the year is good enough to visit the Mahatma Gandhi Setu. It is fascinating to experience the early morning hours which bring out the cool Ganges breeze coupled with the sunrise. The orange sunsets over the horizon, overlooking the river and plains are picturesque.
How to Reach Mahatma Gandhi Setu
This bridge is the lifeline of two districts, Patna and Hajipur. Hence, it can be reached from either north or south Bihar. Patna is well connected to nearby major cities like Lucknow, Allahabad, Kolkata and Kanpur. Some interstate transport buses locomote on a daily basis and are an option.
Top Tourist Places in Patna
Revolving restaurant
River Ganga
Gandhi Maidan
Patna Museum
Srikrishna Science Centre
Patna Sahib Gurudwara
All Tourist Places in Patna
Tips
1. Take great care while riding/driving on this bridge as it is prone to massive jams.2. Be aware of the traffic and congestion problems on the bridge as it undergoes repairs at some part or the other on an almost daily basis.3. Also, Hajipur is famous for its abundant banana production.
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