Mahatma Gandhi Setu : A bridge over the river Ganga, was the longest river bridge in India. It connects Patna in the south to Hajipur in north. It was inaugurated in May 1982 by the then Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi.
Its length is 5,575 metres (18,291 ft). which makes it was one of the longest bridges in the world. There are 48 pilers to this bridge.
This bridge was built by Gammon India Limited . It consists 46 spans of 121 metres (397 ft) each and 2 spans of 63 metres (207 ft) at each end. The deck provides for a 7.5 metres (25 ft) wide two lane roadway for IRC class 70 R loading with footpaths on either side. The cantilever segmental construction method is adopted to construct this mega bridge. 650 million or 65 crore (at 1972 prices of India) rupees were spent on constructing this bridge.
Its length is 5,575 metres (18,291 ft). which makes it was one of the longest bridges in the world. There are 48 pilers to this bridge.
- Popularly known as Ganga Setu, It is the longest single river bridge in the world.
- The Indian Postal Department issued a commemorative postage stamp on Landmark Bridges Of India: Mahatma Gandhi Setu of denomination 0500Paise on 17 August 2007.
- Currently this is part of national highway19.
- Before the bridge was constructed, people who wanted to go to north of Bihar, had to cross the river using boats or small ships or steamers or take a longer rail route.
