Jamui, Jul 31: The Bihar government has approved the construction of two new high-level RCC bridges in Jamui district, a move expected to restore connectivity, ease traffic congestion and improve travel for residents of more than 50 villages.The proposed bridges will be built at Mangobandar over the Suknar River on National Highway-333A and at Nariyana Ghat over the Kiul River.
The existing structures have remained damaged and largely unusable for more than a decade, causing significant inconvenience to local residents and commuters.Jamui MLA and Bihar Sports and Industries Minister Shreyasi Singh said the projects had received administrative approval and that work on the new bridges was expected to begin within the next three months.The Nariyana Ghat bridge project has been approved at an estimated cost of ₹93.82 crore, while the Mangobandar bridge project has received administrative approval of around ₹55.96 crore.
The combined cost of the two projects is estimated at nearly ₹150 crore.The damaged bridges have been closed to regular vehicular traffic, with barricades placed at both ends due to safety concerns. Pedestrians, cyclists and some two-wheeler riders have reportedly continued to use the route despite narrow passages, damaged surfaces and deep potholes.The condition of the route has led to several accidents and created difficulties for people travelling to schools, hospitals, markets and workplaces.The closure has also affected regional traffic movement.
Commuters travelling towards parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal have reportedly been forced to take alternative routes, adding nearly 30–40 kilometres to their journeys.The Jamui–Sono route earlier served as an important shortcut and helped reduce traffic pressure on other roads.
With the bridges out of service, traffic has increased on routes connecting Jamui, Gidhaur, Jhajha and Sono, leading to frequent congestion.The new bridges are expected to provide safer and smoother transportation, reduce travel time and strengthen access to education, healthcare, trade and employment opportunities.
Local residents had repeatedly demanded the reconstruction of the bridges and organised protests over the issue. The government’s approval has renewed hopes that the long-standing connectivity problem will finally be resolved.The projects are also expected to support economic activity by improving the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods across the region.
The construction of the two high-level RCC bridges is being seen as a major infrastructure initiative for Jamui, with residents expecting improved road connectivity and safer travel once the projects are completed.
