(file photographs)
Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi shall dedicate to the nation the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu (mega bridge) to the Nation through video-conference at 12 noon on September 18, 2020.
Apart from this, the Prime Minister shall also inaugurate 12 rail projects related to passenger facilities for the benefit of Bihar. They include a new railway bridge over Kiul River, two new railway lines, 5 electrification projects, one Electric Locomotive Shed,and 3rd Line Project between Barh-Bakhtiyarpur.
The dedication of the Kosi Rail Mahasetu is a watershed moment in the history of Bihar and the entire region connecting to the North East. In 1887, a meter gauge link was built between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi (Saraigarh). During the heavy flood and severe Indo-Nepal earthquake in 1934, the rail link was washed away and thereafter due to meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this Rail link for long period.
The Kosi Mega Bridge line project was sanctioned by Government of India during 2003-04. The Kosi Rail Mahasetu is 1.9 km long and its construction cost is Rs 516 Crore. This bridge is of strategic importance along India-Nepal border. The project was completed during the COVID-Pandemic and the migrant labourers also participated in its completion.
The dedication of this project will fulfil the 86 year old dream and the long wait of the people of the region. Along with the dedication of the Mahasetu, the Prime Minister shall also be flagging off the Saharsa- Asanpur Kupha demo train from Supaul Station. Once the regular train service begins, this would prove to be highly beneficial to the Supaul, Araria, and Saharsa districts. It would also make easy long distance travel to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai for the people of the region.
The Prime Minister shall also be inaugurating two new line projects at Hajipur-Ghoswar-Vaishali and Islampur-Nateshar. PM Modi shall also be inaugurating the Karnauti-Bakhtiyarpur link bypass and 3rd line between Barh-Bakhiyarpur, according to a PIB release.
The Prime Minister shall also be inaugurating the Railway Electrification projects of Muzaffarpur – Sitamarhi, Katihar–New Jalpaiguri; Samastipur-Darbhanga-Jaynagar, and Samastipur-Khagaria, Bhagalpur-Shivnarayanpur Sections.