Koilwar Bridge

Well known as Abdul Bari Bridge, the Koilwar Bridge spans the River Sone, at Koilwar in the state of Bihar. The construction of the bridge was started in the year 1856 and was completed in 1862. It was inaugurated by Lord Elgin, the then Viceroy of India.

Key Points

• It is 138 years old rail-cum-road bridge links Arrah with the capital of Bihar, Patna. It was named after the social reformer Professor Abdul Bari.
• This is the oldest operational railway bridge in India which is standing since the year 1862. It was also termed as the longest bridge in India from the year 1862 to 1900.
• Sand erosion close to the pillars of the bridge has created some structural problems recently.

New Koilwar Bridge

• A new 1.52 Km long, three Lane Bridge has been inaugurated recently by the Road Transport and Highways Minister. This new bridge is parallel to the existing Koilwar Bridge.
• A total amount of Rs 266 crore has been spent on the bridge.
• It is proposed that the 6-lane Road Bridge will be constructed, of which the 3-lane carriageway is now opened for the public. The other 3-lane carriageway will be completed soon.
• This new Koilwar Bridge is proposed to be named after Indian mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh. He was also posthumously awarded the Padma Shri award in the year 2020.

Longest Bridge of India

At present, Bhupen Hazarika Setu or Dhola–Sadiya Bridge is the longest bridge in the country above water. The 9.15 km long bridge connects Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur Bridge in Bihar which is under construction at present is said to replace Dhola–Sadiya Bridge as the longest bridge in India. Its length will be 9.76 Km and it is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2021.