ADB extends $ 500 million loan for Bihar bridge

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India on 15 November 2016 signed a 500 million US dollar loan to build a 9.8 km long road bridge across the Ganges River. This will be India’s longest river bridge.
●    Along with ADB’s loan and 900000 US dollar in technical assistance to improve bridge operation and management, the Bihar Government will provide support equivalent to 215 million US dollar.
●    The project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2020.
●    The proposed bridge will improve transport connectivity between North and South Bihar. It will also improve the link between Patna and the surrounding areas.
●    It will cover both channels of the Ganges River and will also serve as an alternate route to the existing Ganga Bridge.
●    The project will also build viaducts, embankments, and toll and service facilities. It will link to national highway networks.
●    The bridge will significantly reduce travel time to Patna from the surrounding regions, in particular north Bihar. 
●    It is expected that the bridge will benefit over 9 million people.