New Delhi 19 December :- The 13.3-kilometer Bheja–Bakaur Kosi Bridge is nearing completion, marking a historic shift for North Bihar from decades of flood-induced isolation to a new era of seamless connectivity. Developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I (BRT scheme) with a significant investment of ₹1101.99 crore, this massive engineering project is set to be operational by the 2026–2027 financial year. By linking the underserved regions of Madhubani and Supaul directly to NH-27 and Patna, the bridge will slash travel distances by 44 kilometers, providing a vital lifeline for districts like Saharsa that previously endured detours of up to 200 kilometers.
Beyond local transit, the bridge serves a strategic purpose by opening efficient trade routes to Nepal and Northeast India, which is expected to catalyze regional commerce and attract long-awaited private investment. For the local population, the impact is deeply personal: teachers like Roshan Kumar will save hours on daily commutes, while healthcare access is revolutionized for residents like Pankaj, who notes that the bridge will allow ambulances to bypass dangerous ferry crossings and flooded embankments. Furthermore, the project enhances religious tourism by providing easier access to sacred sites such as Bhagwati Uchchaith and Bideshwar Dham. As the final segments of the Kosi bridge rise, it stands as a symbol of dignity and safety, ensuring that students, farmers, and traders are no longer at the mercy of the river’s turbulent floodplains.