Bihar: Chandpur–Gabhirar Bridge to Stand on 47 Piers; Distance Between Siwan and UP to Reduce by 100 KM

Patna:
The Chandpur–Gabhirar Bridge—an important link between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh—is now being redesigned with a stronger engineering model. Continuous erosion, flooding, and shifting currents of the Sarayu River have forced the authorities to overhaul the original structure. Earlier planned on 28 piers, the bridge will now be built on 47 piers to ensure long-term stability and safety.

Once completed, the bridge will reduce the distance between Siwan (Bihar) and Uttar Pradesh by nearly 100 kilometers, significantly boosting regional connectivity.

24 Additional Piers Recommended for Safety

A technical survey conducted by experts from Roorkee concluded that the river’s evolving behavior demands a much stronger foundation. The team recommended 24 additional piers, taking the total to 47. With this enhancement, the bridge will gain higher durability, resilience, and flood resistance.

The new structure is expected to transform travel and trade between Siwan, Chhapra, Ballia, Azamgarh, and Varanasi, becoming a major infrastructural milestone for the region.

Project Delayed for Eight Years, Cost Nearly Doubled

The project was launched in 2016, with a target completion date of June 2024. However, the volatile nature of the Sarayu River repeatedly disrupted construction—approach roads collapsed, river flow patterns changed, and land shifts halted work multiple times. As a result, even after eight years, the project remains incomplete.

Due to the river’s unpredictable behavior, authorities have proposed increasing the bridge’s total length from 1,275 meters to 2,550 meters.

The cost of the project has also nearly doubled:

• Initial sanctioned amount: ₹198 crore
• Additional cost for guide bund & road widening: ₹100 crore
• Revised total project cost: ≈ ₹512 crore

Bihar–UP Connectivity Set for a Major Boost

The Bihar government has already released funds for the approach road on its side. Although local geographical challenges continue to pose difficulties, officials remain hopeful that the bridge will move rapidly toward completion.

Once ready, the Chandpur–Gabhirar Bridge will not only ease travel for residents of Siwan and Chhapra but also provide faster access to major UP cities like Ballia, Varanasi, and Azamgarh—ushering in a new era of connectivity and development for both states.