KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant step towards strengthening inter-state connectivity, the central government is set to begin construction of a new three-lane bridge over the Ganga River, linking Buxar in Bihar with Baroli (Varoli) in Uttar Pradesh. The bridge will serve as a crucial infrastructure link between eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar, while also integrating with the upcoming Greenfield Expressway corridor.

The soil testing phase has already begun on the Uttar Pradesh side near Baroli, marking the initial groundwork for this strategic infrastructure project.

Initial Groundwork Underway: Soil Testing Begins in Baroli

As of May 2025, the construction firm ASC Infratech has initiated deep soil testing. Boreholes of up to 170 feet are being drilled, and soil samples are being sent to New Delhi for geotechnical analysis. This testing phase is expected to continue for about 1 to 1.5 months, after which full-scale construction will commence.

The soil examination will help determine the foundation structure and strength requirements for the pillars that will support the bridge. Upon completion of this crucial phase, construction is expected to begin on or after June 15, 2025.

Bridge Design and Specifications

The bridge has been designed as a three-lane structure, stretching 3.2 kilometers in length. A total of 40 piers (pillars) will support the bridge, with 8 piers submerged within the riverbed of the Ganga and 32 on land, evenly distributed across both banks.

• Starting Point: The first pier (P-1) will be located on the Buxar side in Bihar.

• End Point: The final pier (P-40) will be positioned on the Baroli side in Uttar Pradesh.

• Estimated Project Cost: ₹368 crore

• Total Length: 3.2 km

• Elevated Approach on UP Side: 2 km

Integration with Existing Infrastructure: West of Veer Kunwar Singh Setu

The new bridge will be constructed just west of the existing Veer Kunwar Singh Setu, which has served the region for decades. The new bridge’s construction is expected to significantly ease the pressure on the old bridge, allowing for smoother vehicular movement across the state border.

On the Uttar Pradesh side, a 2-kilometer-long elevated rotary system will be developed to connect the main bridge to the regional road network, enhancing approach efficiency and mitigating congestion.

This rotary will connect directly to the two-lane approach bridge, ensuring continuous traffic flow between regional hubs.

Administrative and Tender Challenges: A Delayed Start

The proposal to build this bridge was first announced during the Union Budget of 2024, marking it as a central government-funded infrastructure project. Shortly after the announcement, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and released the initial notification.

However, due to technical irregularities, the initial DPR and tender process had to be cancelled. A second attempt also failed, with PNC Infratech, the firm responsible for the Patna-Buxar Four-Lane project, being awarded the contract but again facing procedural issues that led to the cancellation of the tender.

Eventually, on January 9, 2025, the third and successful work order was issued to ASC Infratech, which has since begun on-site ground testing.

Public Demand for Elevated Rotary in Buxar

While the Uttar Pradesh side of the bridge will benefit from a 2-km elevated rotary, there is no such provision currently included in the project plan for the Buxar side. This has become a point of contention among local residents and public representatives.

Civic activists such as Shravan Chaubey, Ambika Singh, and Pradeep Jaiswal have voiced concerns, emphasizing the need for a similar elevated rotary near Buxar Golambar. They argue that this would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city and allow seamless movement between the new bridge and local urban roads.

Potential Benefits of the Buxar-Baroli Bridge

1. Boost to Regional Trade and Economy

The new bridge will enhance economic integration between Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Farmers, small businesses, and logistics firms will benefit from reduced travel time and increased access to markets across state lines.

2. Strengthening National Highway Network

This bridge will serve as a feeder connection to the Greenfield Expressway, helping to ease traffic pressure on existing national highways, especially NH-922 and NH-19. It is expected to streamline heavy transport and cargo movements toward Delhi, Lucknow, and Patna.

3. Reduced Travel Time for Commuters

Currently, residents often face heavy traffic and congestion while crossing the Veer Kunwar Singh Setu. The new bridge will not only offer an alternative route but will also reduce travel time by 20–30 minutes during peak hours.

4. Enhanced Disaster Resilience

In the flood-prone zones of Bihar and eastern UP, having multiple cross-river options can be a life-saving asset during natural disasters like floods, which often cut off essential supply routes.

Strategic Location and Connectivity

The Buxar-Baroli bridge is strategically located at the intersection of national connectivity and regional development:

• East Link: Toward Patna via the Patna-Buxar highway

• West Link: Toward Ghazipur and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh

• North-South Axis: Integrated connectivity to the Greenfield Expressway and other industrial corridors

Its integration will also aid in future smart city developments and satellite town expansions in both Bihar and UP.

Voices from the Ground: Local Perspectives

Residents from both states have expressed optimism about the upcoming bridge. “It’s not just concrete and steel; it’s a lifeline for families, for farmers, for students commuting between states,” says Rakesh Kumar, a local trader from Buxar.

Many local citizens emphasized the need for consistent urban planning on both sides to ensure the benefits of such projects are maximized. “Elevated roads, bypass lanes, and proper signage should be implemented from day one,” said Meena Sahu, a school principal in Varoli.

The new Ganga River bridge between Buxar and Baroli is more than just a physical structure — it’s a symbol of regional integration, federal collaboration, and a vision for future-ready infrastructure in India’s heartland.

Once operational, it will not only decongest the existing routes but also offer a new lifeline to one of the most densely populated river belts in the country. As work progresses through 2025 and beyond, this project will stand as a landmark example of how targeted infrastructure can stimulate inclusive growth across state borders.