Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Steel and concrete bridge in Patna, India.
The Mahatma Gandhi Setu is a bridge across the Ganges in Bihar, linking Patna on the southern bank with Hajipur on the northern bank and extending roughly 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles). The roadway runs on two lanes with walkways along the sides, supported by steel trusses resting on concrete pillars anchored in the riverbed.
Indira Gandhi opened the bridge in May 1982, making it the longest river bridge in India for more than three decades. Engineers later replaced the original concrete structure with steel trusses, while the pillars anchored in the river remained in place.
The bridge carries the name of Mahatma Gandhi and connects both banks through its daily service to commuters, traders and travelers moving between the cities. Pedestrians share the pathway with vehicle traffic, showing the everyday character of this essential crossing over the river.
More than 85,000 vehicles and 12,000 pedestrians cross the two-lane roadway each day, making it a central link for regional traffic. Visitors should expect crowds, especially during morning and evening rush hours when commuters use the route in both directions.
Engineers carried out the renovation by replacing the entire concrete structure with steel elements, while the original pillars in the river continue to support the new roadway. This method allowed the bridge to be renewed without fully interrupting the daily traffic flow for several years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
