{{Short description|Indian bridge over Ganga river connecting Patna and Sonpur}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2017}} {{Infobox Bridge | bridge_name = Digha–Sonpur Rail–Road Bridge (J.P. Setu) | native_name = Digha Pul | image = File:Digha - Sonpur Rail Road Bridge.jpg | caption = Digha–Sonpur JP Setu | official_name = | carries = | crosses = Ganges | locale = Digha–Sonpur | maint = | id = | designer = | design = Warren truss and double Warren truss | material = | spans = 36 | pierswater = | mainspan = {{Convert|123|m|ft}} | length = {{Convert|4556|m}} | width = {{Convert|10|m|ft}} | height = | load = | clearance = | below = | traffic = 14 pair of trains | begin = 2003 | complete = August 2015 | num_track = 2 | lanes = 2 | open = 3 February 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160704/jsp/bihar/story_94633.jsp|title=Express-train cheer for rail bridge|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818112809/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160704/jsp/bihar/story_94633.jsp|archive-date=18 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | closed = | toll = | map_cue = | map_image = | map_text = | map_width = | coordinates = {{coord|25.6681|N|85.1083|E|format=dms}} | lat = | long = }} The '''Digha–Sonpur bridge''' ({{langx|hi|दीघा-सोनपुर पुल}}) or '''J. P. Setu''' ({{langx|hi|जेपी सेतु}})<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170611/jsp/frontpage/story_156221.jsp|title=Bridge opening boon for north Bihar link|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011755/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170611/jsp/frontpage/story_156221.jsp|archive-date=7 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> is a rail-cum-road steel truss bridge across river Ganga, connecting Digha Ghat in Patna and Pahleja Ghat in Sonpur.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bhelari |first=Amit |date=4 February 2016 |title=Million dreams on tracks |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160204/jsp/frontpage/story_67415.jsp#.VwBbXJx97IV |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414163358/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160204/jsp/frontpage/story_67415.jsp#.VwBbXJx97IV |archive-date=14 April 2016 |website=Telegraph India |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120426/jsp/bihar/story_15420512.jsp#.VyiRTvl97IV|title=Ganga bridge bonanza New projects to ease travel hassle|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602132643/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120426/jsp/bihar/story_15420512.jsp#.VyiRTvl97IV|archive-date=2 June 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is named after Indian independence activist Jayaprakash Narayan. It provides easy roadway and railway link between north and south Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160613/jsp/bihar/story_90847.jsp#.V_ktTOV97IU|title=Land bids put bridges in troubled waters Four new bridges being constructed over the Ganga in different locations across Bihar have missed their deadlines for completion. The existing bridges are dilapidated, adding to the woes|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009181813/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160613/jsp/bihar/story_90847.jsp#.V_ktTOV97IU|archive-date=9 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
It is 4,556m in length and the second longest rail-cum-road bridge in India, after Bogibeel Bridge in Assam.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Railway-safety-commissioner-inspects-Digha-Sonepur-bridge/articleshow/50251157.cms|title=Girder erection and deck casting work has been completed on 45 spans of the bridge in a record time|website=The Times of India |date=20 December 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225170451/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Railway-safety-commissioner-inspects-Digha-Sonepur-bridge/articleshow/50251157.cms|archive-date=25 December 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Rail service was inaugurated on this route on 3 February 2016.
This is second railway bridge in Bihar after Rajendra Setu that connects North Bihar to South Bihar.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-bridge-Only-10-rly-track-work-remains-incomplete/articleshow/47335001.cms|title=Digha bridge: Only 10% rly track work remains incomplete|website=The Times of India |date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804063045/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-bridge-Only-10-rly-track-work-remains-incomplete/articleshow/47335001.cms|archive-date=4 August 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Indian Railways has constructed two railway stations on either sides of the bridge – Patliputra Junction (PPTA) and Bharpura Pahleja Ghat Junction (PHLG).
==The project== [[File:Digha pahleja rail road bridge.png|thumb|right|400px|Patliputra and Bharpura Pahleja Ghat station on both sides of bridge]]
Rajendra Setu was the only bridge that carried railway tracks across the Ganges in the state of Bihar till 3 February 2016. It was opened in 1959.<ref name=toi>{{cite news |url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Rlys-begins-bridge-renovation-work/articleshow/6156718.cms |title = Rlys begins bridge renovation work |access-date = 2011-07-06 |date = 2010-07-12 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120701151235/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-12/patna/28311455_1_new-bridge-girder-bridge-kiul |archive-date = 1 July 2012 |work = The Times of India |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=history>{{cite web | url = http://www.irse.bravehost.com/irhpi.htm | title = Indian railways history (after independence) | publisher = Indian Railways | access-date = 2011-07-06 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111005074811/http://www.irse.bravehost.com/irhpi.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://railways-forgets.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html |title = Indian Railways' Forgotten Frontier – Tribals Travel on Rooftops |work = Again in Bihar: 930 crore and 625 crore rail cum road bridges |access-date = 2011-07-07 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110825145449/http://railways-forgets.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html |archive-date = 25 August 2011 |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
On 22 December 1996 Former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda laid the foundation stone for the construction of the railway bridge over Ganga at Sonepur.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-Sonepur-rail-bridge-has-an-eventful-past/articleshow/821555223.cms|title=Digha-Sonepur rail bridge has an eventful past|website=The Times of India |date=2 February 2002 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231130315/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-Sonepur-rail-bridge-has-an-eventful-past/articleshow/821555223.cms|archive-date=31 December 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/patna/foundation-stone-for-bihar-bridge-laid-again-for-lalu-s-sake/story-nEVZIGu0LWETQjQo20yaBP.html|title=Foundation stone for Bihar bridge laid again, for Lalu's benefit|date=31 January 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513143144/http://www.hindustantimes.com/patna/foundation-stone-for-bihar-bridge-laid-again-for-lalu-s-sake/story-nEVZIGu0LWETQjQo20yaBP.html|archive-date=13 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Ram Vilas Paswan was the railway minister at that time, but the physical work on the bridge began in 2003 when Nitish Kumar was the railway minister.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Trains-run-on-Ganga-bridge-end-18-year-long-wait/articleshow/50841297.cms|title=18-year wait 1996-2016|website=The Times of India |date=3 February 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313200101/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Trains-run-on-Ganga-bridge-end-18-year-long-wait/articleshow/50841297.cms|archive-date=13 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-attacks-centre-for-ignoring-bihar-in-smart-city-list-1271774|title=Ramvilas Paswan had got foundation laying of the rail-cum road bridge from Digha to Sonepur by the then Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda without arranging fund for it|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816034621/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-attacks-centre-for-ignoring-bihar-in-smart-city-list-1271774|archive-date=16 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Digha–Sonpur Ganga bridge was initially sanctioned as a rail bridge; the project was converted to a rail-cum-road bridge in 2006. Total cost of the project was put at {{INR}}13,890 million, out of which {{INR}}8,350 million was for the rail part, and {{INR}}5,540 million was for the road part. It was expected to be completed in five years.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.oneindia.com/2006/09/07/enlargement-of-rail-bridge-over-ganga-near-patna-approved-by-ccea-1157622599.html |title = Enlargement of rail bridge over Ganga near Patna approved by CCEA |publisher = one india news |access-date = 2011-07-06 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009102935/http://news.oneindia.in/2006/09/07/enlargement-of-rail-bridge-over-ganga-near-patna-approved-by-ccea-1157622599.html |archive-date = 9 October 2012 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> The construction work on the bridge was completed in August 2015,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-Sonepur-bridge-to-be-inaugurated-soon/articleshow/48382395.cms|title='Digha-Sonepur bridge to be inaugurated soon Aug 6,2015'|website=The Times of India |date=6 August 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102053715/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-Sonepur-bridge-to-be-inaugurated-soon/articleshow/48382395.cms|archive-date=2 November 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Rlys-may-miss-deadline-to-open-Digha-bridge/articleshow/48059823.cms |title=Rlys may miss deadline to open Digha bridge - the Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=13 July 2015 |access-date=2016-07-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928084731/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Rlys-may-miss-deadline-to-open-Digha-bridge/articleshow/48059823.cms |archive-date=28 September 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and a trial run of a diesel locomotive was undertaken on the bridge in the same month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Loco-makes-smooth-trial-run-on-Digha-Sonepur-bridge/articleshow/48406988.cms|title=Loco makes smooth trial run on Digha-Sonepur bridge Aug 8,2015|website=The Times of India |date=8 August 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812133049/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Loco-makes-smooth-trial-run-on-Digha-Sonepur-bridge/articleshow/48406988.cms|archive-date=12 August 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Digha–Sonpur Bridge project was executed by Ircon International and the bridge was completed at {{INRConvert|1570|c}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Ircon-executes-landmarkrailway-projects-in-Bihar/articleshow/53133840.cms|title=Ircon executes landmarkrailway projects in Bihar|website=The Times of India |date=9 July 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715130758/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Ircon-executes-landmarkrailway-projects-in-Bihar/articleshow/53133840.cms|archive-date=15 July 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/tejashwi-to-open-2-mega-bridges-on-pul-nigam-day/articleshow/59057190.cms|title=Tejashwi Prasad Yadav to open 2 mega bridges on Pul Nigam day|website=The Times of India |date=9 June 2017 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619032545/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/tejashwi-to-open-2-mega-bridges-on-pul-nigam-day/articleshow/59057190.cms|archive-date=19 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The electrification work on the Patna-Sonepur-Hajipur Section was completed by July 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160704/jsp/bihar/story_94633.jsp#.V4e-DtJ97IW|title=Express-train cheer for Digha rail bridge|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=4 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818112809/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160704/jsp/bihar/story_94633.jsp#.V4e-DtJ97IW|archive-date=18 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The doubling of railway tracks on the bridge started in May 2018,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/sonepur-bridge-twin-track-work-rolls-231917?ref=bihar-new-stry|title=Sonepur bridge twin track work rolls|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522041406/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/sonepur-bridge-twin-track-work-rolls-231917?ref=bihar-new-stry|archive-date=22 May 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and is being done at an estimated cost of Rs 156.09 crore and will be completed by December 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/railway-track-project-by-dec-2019-237090|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612185001/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/railway-track-project-by-dec-2019-237090|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 June 2018|title=Railway track project by Dec. 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1161015/jsp/bihar/story_113479.jsp#.WAkdbuV97IV|title=Double track boon for bridge More trains between Patna & north|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021071644/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1161015/jsp/bihar/story_113479.jsp#.WAkdbuV97IV|archive-date=21 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Construction of the bridge being completed, the inaugural commercial run on the rail bridge took place on 3 February 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Trains-run-on-Ganga-bridge-end-18-year-long-wait/articleshow/50841297.cms|title=Trains run on Ganga bridge, end 18-year-long wait|website=The Times of India |date=3 February 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313200101/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Trains-run-on-Ganga-bridge-end-18-year-long-wait/articleshow/50841297.cms|archive-date=13 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Digha–Sonepur rail bridge was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/NaMo-flags-off-train-to-Lucknow/articleshow/51375931.cms|title=NaMo flags off train to Lucknow|website=The Times of India |date=12 March 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703072748/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/NaMo-flags-off-train-to-Lucknow/articleshow/51375931.cms|archive-date=3 July 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The second rail track is still to be laid. A new railway station Digha Bridge Halt (दीघा ब्रिज हॉल्ट) was constructed 3 km north from Patliputra Junction, near Danapur Bankipur road and opened for passengers on 25 November 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/dozen-trains-to-halt-make-life-easier-188868|title=Dozen trains to halt, make life easier|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412213802/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/dozen-trains-to-halt-make-life-easier-188868|archive-date=12 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It saves time for rail passengers going to Gandhi Maidan at least 1 hour.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1161015/jsp/bihar/story_113479.jsp#.WAkdbuV97IV |title= Double track boon for bridge|website=www.telegraphindia.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812134941/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1161015/jsp/bihar/story_113479.jsp |archive-date=12 August 2017}}</ref> The road bridge was inaugurated on 11 June 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/new-bridges-over-ganga-reduce-distance-in-state/articleshow/59099632.cms|title=New bridges over Ganga reduce distance in Bihar|website=The Times of India |date=12 June 2017 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111042100/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/new-bridges-over-ganga-reduce-distance-in-state/articleshow/59099632.cms|archive-date=11 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Link roads to connect National Highways on both ends are completed. The total length of construction, including approaches, is 20 km.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ppnow.com/other/trains-in-india/ |title=Trains in India |publisher=PPPNOW.com |access-date=2011-07-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328025642/http://ppnow.com/other/trains-in-india/ |archive-date=2012-03-28 }}</ref> It is a K-truss bridge.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://en.structurae.de/structures/data/index.cfm?id=s0010016 |title = Ganga River Railroad Bridge at Patna | publisher=Structurae |access-date = 2011-07-06 }}</ref> There are two rail tracks (up and down tracks) and a two lane road.
Its south link road which is also called as AIIMS- Digha elevated road (Patli Path) completed in December 2020.
==Politicking== thumb|Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar inspecting JP Setu in 2023. In 1996, survey work for the proposed bridge was initiated by the Railways at three possible sites – Digha–Sonepur, Gulzarbagh–Hajipur and Ict Ghat–Sonepur.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-Pahleja-rail-bridge-gets-go-ahead/articleshow/2017552439.cms|title=Digha-Pahleja rail bridge gets go-ahead|website=The Times of India |date=24 April 2000 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223231247/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-Pahleja-rail-bridge-gets-go-ahead/articleshow/2017552439.cms|archive-date=23 December 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Ram Vilas Paswan was then the Union Railway Minister and he lent his support to the Gulzarbagh-Hajipur site, as Hajipur was the constituency from which he was elected. Lalu Prasad Yadav, then Chief Minister of Bihar, lent his support to the Digha–Sonepur site. In the wake of the conflicting support of the political heavy weights, disturbances broke out at Sonepur. One person was shot dead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/vaishali-celebrating-the-martyrdom-day-of-shaheed-rail-bridge-14347542.html|title=दीघा-सोनपुर रेल पुल को लेकर शहीद का मना शहादत दिवस|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818062652/http://www.jagran.com/bihar/vaishali-celebrating-the-martyrdom-day-of-shaheed-rail-bridge-14347542.html|archive-date=18 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Many experts opined in favour of building the rail bridge adjacent to the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, the road bridge connecting Hajipur with Patna. However, political opinion prevailed and the Digha–Sonepur site was selected. {{INR}}24 million was spent on the survey alone.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Digha-Sonepur-rail-bridge-has-an-eventful-past/articleshow/821555223.cms| title = Digha–Sonepur rail bridge has an eventful past| access-date = 2011-07-06| date = 2002-02-02| url-status = live| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120707034808/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-02-02/patna/27110505_1_rail-bridge-railway-bridge-digha-sonepur| archive-date = 7 July 2012| work = The Times of India| df = dmy-all}}</ref> The proposal to construct the bridge was mentioned in the union budget of 1997-98 and at that time the estimated cost was {{INR}}600 crores. The bridge was finally sanctioned during the term as Union Railway Minister of Nitish Kumar, present Chief Minister of Bihar.<ref name="hindu">{{cite news |date=2009-10-13 |title='Rail bridge over Ganga would be nation's pride' |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/13/stories/2009101351860300.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=2011-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110045842/http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/13/stories/2009101351860300.htm |archive-date=10 November 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The scope of work was expanded when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Union Railway Minister.
==Service== <gallery widths="180px" heights="250px"> File:Dighapahlejabridge.png|Digha pahleja bridge File:Digha Sonpur bridge 2.png|JP setu File:Digha_Sonpur_bridge_3.jpg|Panoramic view of Digha Sonpur bridge File:Digha Sonpur bridge 3.png|Overview of JP setu File:Ganga Rail-Road Bridge (under construction).jpg|Under-construction view of JP setu File:The Evening View from Ghandhi Ghat Patna 01.jpg| Digha-Sonpur Bridge from Ghandi Ghat File:The Evening View from Ghandhi Ghat Patna 02.jpg| Sunset View File:The Evening View from Ghandhi Ghat Patna 03.jpg| Evening View File:The Evening View from Ghandhi Ghat Patna 04.jpg| After Complition </gallery>
Regularly scheduled passenger service was inaugurated on this route on 3 February 2016. Initially, six services will utilize the bridge connecting Patna with North Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Diesel Multiple Unit trains from Patliputra Junction to Barauni Junction via Sonepur, Hajipur, Shahpur Patori, to Gorakhpur Junction via Chhapra, Siwan, Thawe and Kaptanganj, and to Gorakhpur Junction via Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Raxaul and Narkatiaganj are among the initial services.<ref>{{cite news|title=Train to run on Digha–Sonepur bridge today|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Patna/Train-to-run-on-Digha-Sonepur-bridge-today/articleshow/50826681.cms|publisher=Times of India|date=2 February 2016|author=Kumod Verma|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214122600/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Train-to-run-on-Digha-Sonepur-bridge-today/articleshow/50826681.cms|archive-date=14 February 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Trains run on Ganga bridge, end 18-year-long wait|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Trains-run-on-Ganga-bridge-end-18-year-long-wait/articleshow/50841297.cms|publisher=Times of India|date=3 February 2016|author=Kumod Verma and HK Verma|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313200101/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Trains-run-on-Ganga-bridge-end-18-year-long-wait/articleshow/50841297.cms|archive-date=13 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Many of long distance Patna-bound trains going to northeast have already been shifted to this northerly route easing the burden on the heavily congested Mughalsarai-Patna rail line.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saran residents await opening of Digha bridge|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Saran-residents-await-opening-of-Digha-bridge/articleshow/50288046.cms|publisher=Times of India|date=22 December 2015|author=H K Verma|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903171316/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Saran-residents-await-opening-of-Digha-bridge/articleshow/50288046.cms|archive-date=3 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===Roll-on/roll-off=== In May 2016, Roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) service was introduced from Bihta (private freight terminal) to Turki station in Muzaffarpur district covering a distance of 88 km through the Digha–Sonepur rail-cum-road bridge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/rlys-kicks-off-roroservices-in-bihar/article8646399.ece|title=Railway kicks roll on off|date=25 May 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610113149/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/rlys-kicks-off-roroservices-in-bihar/article8646399.ece|archive-date=10 June 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/c-268-852854-pt0073-NOR.html|title=ट्रेन पर सवार होकर गंगा पार गए ट्रक, रेलवे की हुई कमाई|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816100527/http://www.bhaskar.com/news/c-268-852854-pt0073-NOR.html|archive-date=16 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This is second such service in India. Before this, Railways started RoRo services in the Konkan region. The railway wagons ferry loaded trucks to their destination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160526/jsp/bihar/story_87616.jsp#.V5L5P9J97IU|title=Trains to ferry trucks, take load off Setu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730101122/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160526/jsp/bihar/story_87616.jsp#.V5L5P9J97IU|archive-date=30 July 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This is started by Railways to attract more loadings, reduce carbon emission and reduce load on Mahatma Gandhi Setu.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/economy/indian-railways-launch-ro-ro-service-to-attract-more-loadings/265851/ |title=Indian Railways launch RO-RO service to attract more loadings - the Financial Express |access-date=2016-07-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816141629/http://www.financialexpress.com/economy/indian-railways-launch-ro-ro-service-to-attract-more-loadings/265851/ |archive-date=16 August 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Approximately 44 loaded or empty trucks move in a rake and one rake do three trips a day. Ferrying of trucks weighing 15 MT (metric tonnes) cost {{INRConvert|4107}} and of empty trucks of average 6 MT (metric tonnes) weight {{INRConvert|2806}}. Similarly, trucks weighing over 15 MT are charged {{INR}}200 more for every tonne over 15MT. The maximum weight allowed is 66 MT. From 3 July onwards, starting destination is changed to Danapur instead of Bihita.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ecr-changes-destination-of-roll-onroll-off-to-danapur/article8802493.ece|title=ECR changes destination of 'roll on-roll off' to Danapur|website=The Hindu |date=2 July 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703014949/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ecr-changes-destination-of-roll-onroll-off-to-danapur/article8802493.ece|archive-date=3 July 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
==Bridges across the Ganges in Bihar== The Ganges divides the state of Bihar in two parts. The mighty river makes communication between the two parts a difficult task.
* The first effort to bridge the gap was Rajendra Setu in 1959.<ref name=toi/><ref name=history/> * The next bridge across the Ganges in Bihar was the {{convert|5,575|m}} Mahatma Gandhi Setu, the longest bridge in India at the time of its commissioning in 1982.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.generalknowledgequizblog.com/2011/03/mahatma-gandhi-setu-longest-river.html | title =Mahatma Gandhi Setu the Longest River Bridge in India | publisher =General Knowledge Quiz | access-date =2011-07-06 | url-status =live | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110704184257/http://www.generalknowledgequizblog.com/2011/03/mahatma-gandhi-setu-longest-river.html | archive-date =4 July 2011 | df =dmy-all }}</ref> * It was followed by Vikramshila Setu near Bhagalpur.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://karnabhumi.blogspot.com/2009/08/vikramshila-setu.html | title = Vikramshila Setu | date = 22 August 2009 | publisher = Bhagalpur, Land of Art, Culture and Education | access-date = 2011-07-06 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120326154749/http://karnabhumi.blogspot.com/2009/08/vikramshila-setu.html | archive-date = 26 March 2012 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> * The fourth bridge across the Ganges in the state is the Digha–Sonpur rail–road bridge. * The Srikrishna Setu Munger Ganga Bridge was formally opened for passenger trains on 11 April 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Minister-flags-off-passenger-train-between-Begusarai-and-Jamalpur/articleshow/51784275.cms |title=Minister flags off passenger train between Begusarai and Jamalpur - Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=11 April 2016 |access-date=2017-12-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121034602/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Minister-flags-off-passenger-train-between-Begusarai-and-Jamalpur/articleshow/51784275.cms |archive-date=21 November 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The road on the Shrikrishna Setu and the approach roads are now complete, and was inaugurated for traffic in February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/longdelayed-road-bridge-over-ganga-in-bihar-to-be-inaugurated-on-friday-101644303075379.html|title=Long-delayed road bridge over Ganga in Bihar to be inaugurated on Friday|work=Hindustan Times|date=8 February 2022}}</ref> * A fourth rail bridge over Ganga has been sanctioned at Bikramshila–Kataria with 18 km new rail line between Pirpainti and Naugachhia at cost of rupees 1601 Crore taking in consideration for access to north Bihar from Jharkhand by Jasidih Pirpainti new rail line under construction.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/bihar-gets-allocation-of-rs-3171-crore-in-rail-budget-562644-2016-02-25 |title=Bihar gets allocation of Rs 3171 crore in rail budget : PTI feed, News - India Today |access-date=2016-04-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427110116/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bihar-gets-allocation-of-rs-3171-crore-in-rail-budget/1/605456.html |archive-date=27 April 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> * Another {{convert|9.76|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} 6-lane road bridge is already under construction at Patna connecting Kachchi Dargah in Patna and Bidupur in Vaishali.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150824/jsp/bihar/story_38745.jsp#.VxDW_TB95dg |title= Smooth today, faster tomorrow|website=www.telegraphindia.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425233719/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150824/jsp/bihar/story_38745.jsp |archive-date=25 April 2016}}</ref> * Construction work of a double-track rail bridge, 25 meters upstream from present Rajendra Pul was inaugurated on 12 March 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while inaugurating Patna Lucknow Intercity express.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-pm-modi-inaugurates-three-major-railway-projects-worth-rs-7000-crore-in-bihar-2188606 |title=PM Modi inaugurates three major railway projects worth Rs 7000 crore in Bihar | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis |access-date=2016-04-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423222811/http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-pm-modi-inaugurates-three-major-railway-projects-worth-rs-7000-crore-in-bihar-2188606 |archive-date=23 April 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/New-Mokama-rail-bridge-likely-to-be-completed-in-4-yrs/articleshow/51385623.cms |title=New Mokama rail bridge likely to be completed in 4 yrs - Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=13 March 2016 |access-date=2016-04-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318010223/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/New-Mokama-rail-bridge-likely-to-be-completed-in-4-yrs/articleshow/51385623.cms |archive-date=18 March 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> * A {{convert|5.575|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} bridge Bakhtiyarpur-Tajpur Bridge is under construction which will connect Bakhtiyarpur and Tajpur.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.bihardays.com/3bhr/nitish-inaugurates-construction-ganga-bridge-connecting-bakhtiyarpur-tajpur-bridge-open-2015/ |title = Nitish inaugurates construction of Ganga bridge connecting Bakhtiyarpur – Tajpur: bridge to open in 2015 |publisher = Bihar Days |access-date = 2011-07-06 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110615181024/http://www.bihardays.com/3bhr/nitish-inaugurates-construction-ganga-bridge-connecting-bakhtiyarpur-tajpur-bridge-open-2015/ |archive-date = 15 June 2011 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> * The Arrah–Chhapra Bridge across the Ganges is complete, which connects Arrah and Chhapra and opened to traffic on 11 June 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101230/jsp/bihar/story_13369018.jsp |title=Ganga link to connect Ara & Chhapra |publisher=The Telegraph, 30 December 2010 |access-date=2011-07-06 |location=Calcutta, India |first=Rakesh K. |last=Singh |date=2010-12-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520070513/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101230/jsp/bihar/story_13369018.jsp |archive-date=20 May 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> * A road bridge parallel to the existing rail and road bridge, Rajendra Setu, has also been planned.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110408/jsp/bihar/story_13823833.jsp|title=Four-lane connector over Sone, Ganga|publisher=The Telegraph, 8 April 2011|access-date=2011-07-06|location=Calcutta, India|date=2011-04-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626045202/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110408/jsp/bihar/story_13823833.jsp|archive-date=26 June 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> * Another 4 lane road bridge is under construction at Sultanganj Sultanganj-Aguani Ghat Bridge<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.biharprabha.com/2015/03/nitish-kumar-lays-foundation-of-ganga-bridge-between-aguwani-ghat-and-sultanganj/ |title=Nitish Kumar lays foundation of Ganga Bridge between Aguwani Ghat and Sultanganj | Biharprabha News |access-date=2017-09-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913231631/https://news.biharprabha.com/2015/03/nitish-kumar-lays-foundation-of-ganga-bridge-between-aguwani-ghat-and-sultanganj/ |archive-date=13 September 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> *A 4 lane road bridge is also under construction at Manihari in Katihar district which will connect to Sahibganj in Jharkhand Sahibganj-Maniharighat Bridge<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sahibgunj-manihari-ganga-bridge-to-help-dev-santhal-pargana-economically-raghubar-das-4602580/ |title=Sahibgunj-Manihari Ganga bridge to help dev Santhal Pargana economically: Raghubar das | the Indian Express |date=6 April 2017 |access-date=2017-09-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913232018/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sahibgunj-manihari-ganga-bridge-to-help-dev-santhal-pargana-economically-raghubar-das-4602580/ |archive-date=13 September 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|India}} * Koilwar Bridge * List of road–rail bridges * List of longest bridges above water in India * Loknayak Ganga Path * Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur Bridge * Bogibeel Bridge
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Digha–Sonpur Bridge}}
{{Railways in Bihar}} {{Rivers in Bihar}} {{Patna Division topics}} {{Saran Division topics}}
Category:Bridges in Bihar Category:Patna district Category:Saran district Category:Bridges over the Ganges Category:Memorials to Jayaprakash Narayan Category:Road bridges in India Category:Railway bridges in India Category:2016 establishments in Bihar Category:Buildings and structures in Patna Category:Bridges completed in 2015 Category:Road-rail bridges in India Category:Double-decker bridges Category:Transport in Patna {{DEFAULTSORT:Digha-Sonpur Bridge}}