Mahatma Gandhi Setu

Mahatma Gandhi Setu is a major bridge over the Ganga River in Bihar, India, linking Patna in the south with Hajipur in the north. Spanning 5,750 meters, it is the fourth-longest river bridge in India. The bridge was inaugurated in May 1982 at Hajipur by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. From its opening until 2017, it held the distinction of being the longest bridge in India. To address structural issues, the Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project was later launched, replacing its concrete superstructure with modern triangular steel trusses. The bridge was approved by the Central Government in 1969 and constructed by Gammon India Limited over a span of ten years, from 1972 to 1982. The project cost totaled ₹87.22 crore. Designed to link North Bihar with the rest of the state via the capital city Patna, the bridge also forms a part of National Highway 19.

Mahatma Gandhi Setu as a spiritual place

The Mahatma Gandhi Setu not only connects Patna with North Bihar but also serves as a gateway to many of the city’s cultural and historical landmarks. Just beyond the bridge, the serene banks of the Ganga River offer a tranquil setting to observe age-old rituals and ceremonies. Nearby, the iconic Golghar, an 18th-century granary with its striking dome-shaped architecture, stands as a reminder of Patna’s colonial past.

For those seeking spiritual depth, the Vishnupad Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, offers an atmosphere of timeless devotion. Equally significant is the Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines, which highlights the city’s rich and diverse religious heritage. Together, these attractions make the journey across Gandhi Setu not just a crossing, but a passage into Patna’s vibrant history and spirituality.

Other bridges span the Ganga River in Bihar

Several other bridges span the Ganga River in Bihar besides the Mahatma Gandhi Setu:

Rajendra Setu – A 4.5 km bridge inaugurated in 1959, it was the first to be built over the Ganga in Bihar.

Vikramshila Setu – Measuring about 8 km, this bridge was inaugurated in 2001.

Digha–Sonpur Rail-cum-Road Bridge – Another important crossing, combining both rail and road connectivity.

Munger Rail-cum-Road Bridge – Provides vital connectivity across the river near Munger.

Kacchi Dargah–Biddupur Bridge – Part of the Greenfield Expressway project, still under construction, along with other upcoming bridges at Chhapra, Bakhtiyarpur, and Sultanganj.

Location of the Mahatma Gandhi Setu

Mahatma Gandhi Setu (also known as Gandhi Setu or Ganga Setu) is a major bridge over the Ganga River in Bihar, India, linking Patna in the south with Hajipur in the north.