Featuring India’s widest extradosed cable-stayed bridge, the Aunta-Simaria Ganga Bridge connects Patna to Begusarai, reducing travel time by over an hour while boosting trade, mobility, and regional growth.
Welspun Enterprises Limited (WEL), the infrastructure arm of Welspun World, has successfully delivered the landmark Aunta-Simaria Ganga Bridge Project in Bihar – a transformative infrastructure initiative featuring India’s widest extradosed cable-stayed bridge over the River Ganga. Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated the project to the nation today, marking a significant milestone in Bihar’s journey towards enhanced connectivity and regional development.
The 1.8-kilometre-long, 34-metre-wide Ganga Bridge, part of the 8.15-kilometre project, directly connects Aunta in Patna district with Simaria in Begusarai district, reducing travel time by over an hour. With segment spans ranging from 57 metres to 115 metres, and cantilever arms extending up to 70 metres, the bridge is designed to support heavy vehicular loads and serve as a modern, robust alternative to the 70-year-old Rajendra Setu Bridge nearby.
The project was developed in partnership with the Government of Bihar and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
From an economic and strategic standpoint, the Aunta-Simaria Ganga Bridge Project plays a pivotal role in advancing national infrastructure. The improved link is a game-changer for Bihar’s agribusiness sector, particularly the makhana industry, which received a ₹100 crore boost during the recent Union Budget. By providing farmers with easy access to larger markets for the region’s agricultural produce and opening avenues to national and global markets, the project is set to significantly uplift the local economy. It further boosts local enterprises and industries, while enhancing connectivity to industrial hubs like Barauni, unlocking new avenues of commerce across North and South Bihar. In addition, it reinforces national security by facilitating faster troop movement to India’s northeastern borders, adding another layer of strategic relevance.
A major highlight of the project was the use of Box Pushing Technology to construct a Railway Under Bridge, resolving a railway crossing challenge with minimal disruption. For the first time in India, a single-cell box measuring 24 metres in length was pushed under a railway line, marking a significant engineering achievement. The project also overcame complex logistical and environmental hurdles, including strong currents of the Ganga, high water tables, soft riverbed soil and challenging social dynamics.
Speaking on the achievement, B.K. Goenka, Chairman, Welspun World, said, “This project is a true embodiment of our vision to build nation-critical infrastructure that transforms regions and enhances livelihoods. We are proud to have delivered a bridge that is not only an engineering marvel but also a lifeline for Bihar and beyond. This achievement reflects our continued commitment to partnering with governments and institutions to drive inclusive and sustainable development across India, and further strengthens our vision of Har Ghar Se Har Dil Tak Welspun.”
Sandeep Garg, Managing Director, Welspun Enterprises, added, “The Aunta-Simaria Ganga Bridge Project showcases Welspun Enterprises’ engineering excellence and execution capabilities in some of the most challenging environments. From innovative construction techniques to seamless stakeholder coordination, it has set a new benchmark for infrastructure delivery in India. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Bihar, NHAI and all partnering authorities for their unwavering support and collaboration in making this project a reality.”
Welspun’s commitment to Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles was evident throughout the project. To safeguard the Ganga ecosystem, the team adopted smart water management practices, reducing water use in concrete mixes through superplasticizers and minimizing curing water with curing compounds. Circular material use was ensured by utilizing pond ash in embankments instead of natural soil. Construction innovations like precast elements and high-performance concrete with silica fume further enhanced efficiency, durability and sustainability.
With the successful completion of the Aunta-Simaria Ganga Bridge Project, Welspun Enterprises reaffirms its leadership in delivering next-generation infrastructure that connects people, drives economies and strengthens communities — building the foundation for a stronger, more connected India.
