Patna,(BiharTimes): Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday inaugurated 3.59-km-long bridge over river Kosi connecting Baluaha Ghat to Gandaul in Saharsa district.
The RCC bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 531 crore by Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam (BRPNN) a month before the deadline. As per the deadline it was to be opened on January 14, 2014, that is on the day of Tilsakrat. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid on December 10, 2009.

The bridge has come up near Mahishi, the birthplace of 8th century philosopher Mandal Mishra and will reduce the distance between Saharsa and Darbhanga from 158 km to 84 km.
It will also cut the distance of Purnea, Madhepura and Saharsa from Darbhanga, Samastipur, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur and Patna. The distance to Samastipur will be shortened by 100km, to Madhubani 80km and to Patna by 70 km.
Speaking briefly on the occasion Nitish urged the people to maintain peace and amity if they want Bihar to surge forward on the path of development. He said the bridge would not only strengthen the cultural bond between the people of Mithilanchal and Kosi regions but also open up new opportunities for them.
The chief minister promised more bridges across Kosi and other rivers which would transform the economic status of the state.

Referring to the Kosi flood of 2008 he said the disaster had offered new opportunities and already ushered in a new beginning for the region.
Speaking on the occasion the national president of Janata Dal (United), Sharad Yadav, who is also the MP of Madhepura said, the cultural affinity and ties between the two parts of Mithilanchal would further be fortified and they would now become one.
Energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, SC/ST welfare
minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, law minister Narendra Narayan Yadav, disaster management minister Renu Kushwaha and MP Dinesh Chandra Yadav and a number of MLAs and MLCs were present on the occasion.
State road construction department secretary Prataya Amrit also spoke on the occasion.
He informed the media that bridge would ensure economic turnaround of the region by way of providing easy communication to trade and marketing. It would also help development of temples at Mahisi, Singheswar Sthan and Sonebarsa as tourist spots.