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{{Update|date=September 2019|The repairs to the bridge from 2016}}
{{Short description|Bridge connecting Patna and Hajipur in Bihar, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2017}}
{{short description |Bridge connecting Patna and Hajipur in Bihar, India}}
{{Infobox bridge
{{Infobox bridge
| name = Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Patna
| name = Mahatma Gandhi Setu
| native_name =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =  
| native_name_lang =
| image = GandhiSetuPatnaRevamped.png
| image =
| image_upright =  
| image_upright =  
| alt =  
| alt =  
| caption =  
| caption = Gandhi setu in 2024
| coordinates = {{coord|25|37|19.0|N|85|12|25.7|E|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|25|37|19.0|N|85|12|25.7|E|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| os_grid_reference =  
| os_grid_reference =  
| carries = [[National Highway 22 (India)|National Highway 22]] and [[National Highway 31 (India)|National Highway 31]]<ref name="renumber">{{cite web|url=http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf|title=Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways|publisher=[[Department of Road Transport and Highways]]|access-date=27 May 2017|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201124738/http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf|archive-date=1 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| carries = [[National Highway 22 (India)|NH-22]] and [[National Highway 31 (India)|NH-31]]<ref name="renumber">{{cite web|url=http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf|title=Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways|publisher=[[Department of Road Transport and Highways]]|access-date=27 May 2017|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201124738/http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf|archive-date=1 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| crosses = [[Ganges|Ganga]]
| crosses = [[Ganges|Ganga]]
| locale = [[Patna]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]<!--the most-prominent city as the general location-->
| locale = [[Patna]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]<!--the most-prominent city as the general location-->
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| map_caption =  
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}}
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'''Mahatma Gandhi Setu''' (also called '''Gandhi Setu''' or '''Ganga Setu''') is a [[bridge]] over the river [[Ganges]] in [[Bihar]], India, connecting [[Patna]] in the south to [[Hajipur]] in the north.<ref>{{cite web|title=Destinations :: Patna |url=http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/Patna.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918091228/http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/patna.htm |archive-date=2014-09-18 }}</ref> Its length is {{convert|5750|m}}<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/patna/Traffic-eases-on-Gandhi-Setu-as-Centre-drops-toll-collection/articleshow/16551180.cms |title = Traffic eases on Gandhi Setu as Centre drops toll collection - Times of India}}</ref> and it is the third-longest [[List of longest bridges above water in India|river bridge in India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gandhi Setu: An engineering marvel|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-11/patna/32174190_1_patna-and-north-bihar-mahatma-gandhi-setu-bridge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817123153/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-11/patna/32174190_1_patna-and-north-bihar-mahatma-gandhi-setu-bridge|url-status=dead|work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=2012-08-17}}</ref><ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/country-s-longest-river-bridge-in-patna-to-be-rebuilt-115102600883_1.html longest river bridge to be rebuilt] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029051836/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/country-s-longest-river-bridge-in-patna-to-be-rebuilt-115102600883_1.html |date=29 October 2015 }} business-standard.com</ref> It was inaugurated in May&nbsp;1982 in a ceremony in Hajipur by the then prime minister, [[Indira Gandhi]]. From 1982 to 2017, Mahatma Gandhi Setu remained as the longest bridge in India. Later, Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project was undertaken to install triangular steel trusses on Mahatma Gandhi Setu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/anatomy-of-setu-repair/cid/1359505|title=Anatomy of Setu repair}}</ref>
'''Mahatma Gandhi Setu''' (also called '''Gandhi Setu''' or '''Ganga Setu''') is a [[bridge]] over the river [[Ganges|Ganga]] in [[Bihar]], [[India]], connecting [[Patna]] in the south to [[Hajipur]] in the north.<ref>{{cite web|title=Destinations :: Patna |url=http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/Patna.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918091228/http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/patna.htm |archive-date=2014-09-18 }}</ref> Its length of {{convert|5750|m}} makes it the fourth-longest [[List of longest bridges above water in India|river bridge in India]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Traffic-eases-on-Gandhi-Setu-as-Centre-drops-toll-collection/articleshow/16551180.cms |title = Traffic eases on Gandhi Setu as Centre drops toll collection - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]| date=26 September 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Gandhi Setu: An engineering marvel|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Gandhi-Setu-An-engineering-marvel/articleshow/14009526.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817123153/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-11/patna/32174190_1_patna-and-north-bihar-mahatma-gandhi-setu-bridge|url-status=live|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=11 June 2012 |archive-date=2012-08-17}}</ref><ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/country-s-longest-river-bridge-in-patna-to-be-rebuilt-115102600883_1.html longest river bridge to be rebuilt] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029051836/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/country-s-longest-river-bridge-in-patna-to-be-rebuilt-115102600883_1.html |date=29 October 2015 }} business-standard.com</ref> It was inaugurated in May 1982 in a ceremony in Hajipur by then-prime minister [[Indira Gandhi]]. From 1982 to 2017, Mahatma Gandhi Setu was the longest bridge in India. Later, the Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project was undertaken to install triangular steel trusses on Mahatma Gandhi Setu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/anatomy-of-setu-repair/cid/1359505|title=Anatomy of Setu repair}}</ref>


== Planning and significance ==
== Planning and significance ==
[[File:Gandhi Setu Bridge in Patna, India.jpg|left|280px|thumb|Gandhi Setu Bridge in Patna, India]]
[[File:Gandhi Setu Bridge in Patna, India.jpg|left|280px|thumb|Old structure of Gandhi Setu Bridge in Patna, India]]
The bridge was approved by the [[Government of India|Central Government]] in 1969 and built by [[Gammon India|Gammon India Limited]] over a period of ten years, from 1972 to 1982. The total expenditure was {{currency|87.22|INR|link=yes}}&nbsp;crore (872.2&nbsp;million rupees). It was built to connect [[North Bihar]] with the rest of [[Bihar]] through the state's capital at [[Patna]], and as part of national highway&nbsp;19 (NH19). Before this bridge was constructed, the only bridge crossing of the Ganges in Bihar was [[Rajendra Setu]], approximately {{convert|4.5|km}} to the east, which had opened in 1959. Since then, the [[Vikramshila Setu]] has also been built across the Ganges. Two more rail-cum-road bridges are currently under construction, between [[Patna|Digha]] and [[Sonepur, Bihar|Sonepur]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Digha Sonepur Rail Road Bridge to be operational by 2017|date= July 2013|url= http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/07/digha-sonepur-rail-road-bridge-to-be-operational-by-2017/|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130706042004/http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/07/digha-sonepur-rail-road-bridge-to-be-operational-by-2017/|archive-date= 6 July 2013|df= dmy-all|access-date= 13 December 2013}}</ref> and at [[Munger]].<ref>[[Ganga Rail-Road Bridge]]</ref>
The bridge was approved by the [[Government of India|Central Government]] in 1969 and built by [[Gammon India|Gammon India Limited]] over a period of ten years, from 1972 to 1982. The total expense was {{currency|87.22|INR|linked=yes}} crore (872.2 million rupees). It was built to connect [[North Bihar]] with the rest of [[Bihar]] through the state's capital at [[Patna]], and as part of National Highway&nbsp;19 (NH19). Before this bridge was constructed, the only bridge crossing the Ganges in Bihar was [[Rajendra Setu]], approximately {{convert|85|km|mile}} to the east, which had opened in 1959. Since then, the [[Vikramshila Setu]] has also been built across the Ganges. Two more rail-and-road bridges were constructed between [[Patna|Digha]] and [[Sonepur, Bihar|Sonepur]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Digha Sonepur Rail Road Bridge to be operational by 2017|date= July 2013|url= http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/07/digha-sonepur-rail-road-bridge-to-be-operational-by-2017/|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130706042004/http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/07/digha-sonepur-rail-road-bridge-to-be-operational-by-2017/|archive-date= 6 July 2013|df= dmy-all|access-date= 13 December 2013}}</ref> and at [[Munger]].<ref>[[Ganga Rail-Road Bridge]]</ref> More bridges named [[Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge|Kacchi Dargah Biddupur bridge]] under Greenfield expressway, at Chhapra, Bakhtiyaarpur, Sultanganj are under construction.


The [[Indian Postal Service|Indian postal department]] issued a commemorative postage stamp, "Landmark Bridges Of India: Mahatma Gandhi Setu", on 17 August 2007.<ref>[http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Stamps2007.html Welcome to the Indiapost Web Site] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5wSKvdilj?url=http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Stamps2007.html |date=13 February 2011 }}</ref>
The [[Indian Postal Service|Indian postal department]] issued a commemorative postage stamp, "Landmark Bridges Of India: Mahatma Gandhi Setu" on 17 August 2007.<ref>[http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Stamps2007.html Welcome to the Indiapost Web Site] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412001403/http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Stamps2007.html |date=12 April 2011 }}</ref>


== Engineering ==
==Engineering==
[[File:Mahatma Gandhi Setu.jpg|thumb|left|The bridge has a two-lane roadway.]]
[[File:Mahatma Gandhi Setu.jpg|thumb|left|J.P. Setu a rail cum road bridge connecting Digha in Patna to Sonpur near Hajipur]]
The bridge consists of 45 intermediate spans of {{convert|121.065|m}} each and a span of {{convert|65.530|m}} at each end.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gandhi Setu: An engineering marvel|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-11/patna/32174190_1_patna-and-north-bihar-mahatma-gandhi-setu-bridge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817123153/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-11/patna/32174190_1_patna-and-north-bihar-mahatma-gandhi-setu-bridge|url-status=dead|work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=2012-08-17}}</ref> The deck provides for a {{convert|7.5|m|ft|adj=mid|-wide}} two-lane roadway for IRC{{expand acronym|date=September 2019|Either expand it, or, if it is too technical, consider removing it or explaining in common language.}} class 70 R loading with footpaths on either side.<ref>[http://www.gammonindia.com/aos_tep_bridges.html Gammon India Ltd. - Builders to the nation] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/5wSKvLWwR?url=http://www.gammonindia.com/aos_tep_bridges.html |date=13 February 2011 }}</ref> The cantilever segmental construction method was adopted; each span has two cantilever beams on both sides which are free to move at the ends. It has two lanes, one upstream and the other downstream, each with a width of around {{convert|6|m}}. These lanes are free from each other with no connections. It was constructed using {{convert|3|m|ft|adj=on}} pre-cast parts, which were joined at both ends to complete the span. The spans are connected with a protrusion which is free to move longitudinally. Vertical movement allows for vibrations from vehicular movement to transfer smoothly between spans without much discreteness.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slideshare.net/chauhansunny/mahatma-gandhi-setu |title=Mahatma gandhi setu Bihar |date=2 June 2014 |access-date=2016-01-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081118/http://www.slideshare.net/chauhansunny/mahatma-gandhi-setu |archive-date=4 March 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
The bridge consists of 45 intermediate spans of {{convert|121.065|m}} each and a span of {{convert|65.530|m}} at each end.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gandhi Setu: An engineering marvel|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Gandhi-Setu-An-engineering-marvel/articleshow/14009526.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817123153/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-11/patna/32174190_1_patna-and-north-bihar-mahatma-gandhi-setu-bridge|url-status=live|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=11 June 2012 |archive-date=2012-08-17}}</ref> The deck provides for a {{convert|7.5|m|ft|adj=mid|-wide}} two-lane roadway for the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) class 70 R loading with footpaths on either side.<ref>[http://www.gammonindia.com/aos_tep_bridges.html Gammon India Ltd. - Builders to the nation] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223194131/http://www.gammonindia.com/aos_tep_bridges.html |date=23 February 2011 }}</ref> The cantilever segmental construction method was adopted; each span has two cantilever beams on both sides which are free to move at the ends. It has two lanes, one upstream and the other downstream, each with a width of around {{convert|6|m}}. These lanes are free from each other with no connections. It was constructed using {{convert|3|m|ft|adj=on}} pre-cast parts, which were joined at both ends to complete the span. The spans are connected with a protrusion which is free to move longitudinally. Vertical movement allows for vibrations from vehicular movement to transfer smoothly between spans without much discreteness.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slideshare.net/chauhansunny/mahatma-gandhi-setu |title=Mahatma Gandhi setu Bihar |date=2 June 2014 |access-date=2016-01-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081118/http://www.slideshare.net/chauhansunny/mahatma-gandhi-setu |archive-date=4 March 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


==Traffic congestion==
==Traffic congestion==
In recent decades, the bridge has experienced major traffic chaos due to the increasing number of vehicles crossing it, operating in excess of capacity and overloading the structure. The [[Bihar government]] has planned to build two [[pontoon bridges]] parallel to it, in order to relieve these problems.<ref>{{cite web|title=Govt planning to build 2 Pontoon Bridges parallel to Gandhi Setu in Patna|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/02/govt-planning-to-build-2-pontoon-bridges-parallel-to-gandhi-setu-in-patna/|work=IANS|date=15 February 2014|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=18 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507091659/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/02/govt-planning-to-build-2-pontoon-bridges-parallel-to-gandhi-setu-in-patna/|archive-date=7 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{update inline|date=September 2019}} The bridge is crossed daily by over 85,000 vehicles and 12,000 pedestrians.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}
In recent decades, the bridge has experienced major traffic chaos due to the increasing number of vehicles crossing it, operating in excess of capacity and overloading the structure. In 2014, [[Bihar government]] announced plans to build two [[pontoon bridges]] parallel to Gandhi Setu, in order to relieve congestion problems.<ref>{{cite web|title=Govt planning to build 2 Pontoon Bridges parallel to Gandhi Setu in Patna|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/02/govt-planning-to-build-2-pontoon-bridges-parallel-to-gandhi-setu-in-patna/|work=IANS|date=15 February 2014|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=18 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507091659/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/02/govt-planning-to-build-2-pontoon-bridges-parallel-to-gandhi-setu-in-patna/|archive-date=7 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> One pontoon bridge was opened in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-12-05 |title=Patna-Hajipur pontoon bridge to open today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-hajipur-pontoon-bridge-to-open-today/articleshow/61919671.cms |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The bridge is crossed daily by over 85,000 vehicles and 12,000 pedestrians.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}
On 21 September 2020 Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of another 4 lane road bridge measuring 14.5 km and will cost Rs. 2926.42 crores <ref>https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/roadways/infra-boost-for-bihar-pm-modi-lays-foundation-stone-for-9-highway-projects-inaugurates-optical-fibre-services/2088198/</ref> It will be on the west side of present bridge and in future, it will become 8 lane bridge including the present 4 lane bridge.
On 21 September 2020, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of another 4-lane road bridge measuring 14.5&nbsp; km and will cost {{INR}}2926.42 crores <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/roadways/infra-boost-for-bihar-pm-modi-lays-foundation-stone-for-9-highway-projects-inaugurates-optical-fibre-services/2088198/|title = Infra boost for Bihar! PM Modi lays the foundation stone for 9 highway projects, inaugurates optical fiber services| date=21 September 2020 }}</ref> It will be on the west side of the present bridge, and in the future, it will become 8 lane bridge including the present 4 lane bridge.


== History ==
==History==
{{unreferenced section|date=September 2019}}
{{unreferenced section|date=September 2019}}
* Construction started: Year 1972
* Construction started: Year 1972
* Scheduled opening: June 1978.
* Scheduled opening: June 1978.
* Tender cost: Rs 23.50 crore
* Tender cost: {{INR}}23.50 crore
* 1st Extension of Time (EOT): June 1980
* 1st Extension of Time (EOT): June 1980
* Allocated cost: Rs 46.67 crore
* Allocated cost: {{INR}}46.67 crore
* Reasons for cost increase: This extra cost is the outcome of an "in-built" cost escalation clause in the contract
* Reasons for cost increase: This extra cost is the outcome of an "in-built" cost [[escalation clause]] in the contract
* Reasons for delay: Heavy storm in April 1979 destroyed two gantries and casting beds. Each gantry crane weighs 300 tonnes. Huge shortage of cement and building material and a workers' strike
* Reasons for delay: A heavy storm in April 1979 destroyed two gantries and casting beds. Each gantry crane weighs 300 tonnes. Huge shortage of cement and building materials and a workers' strike
* Reports: Cement and other building materials stored for this project find their way into Nepal and parts of Bihar  
* Reports: Cement and other building materials stored for this project find their way into Nepal and parts of Bihar  
from the northern side of the bridge.  
from the northern side of the bridge.  
* 2nd Extension of Time (EOT): December 1981
* 2nd Extension of Time (EOT): December 1981
* Project progress: 80% ( physical ) up to September 1980
* Project progress: 80% ( physical ) up to September 1980
* Billed value: Rs 41 crore
* Billed value: {{INR}}41 crore
* Contractor’s extra claim : Rs 50 crore
* Contractor's extra claim : {{INR}}50 crore
Litigation & arbitration:  
Litigation & arbitration:  
Disagreement between the contractors and the Government overpayments stalled construction activity.  
Disagreement between the contractors and the Government overpayments stalled construction activity.  
Claims and bills got referred to the Law Department.
Claims and bills were referred to the Law Department.
Final completion date: June 1982 ( Eastern carriageway )
Final completion date: June 1982 ( Eastern carriageway )
Completion date: April 1987 ( Western carriageway )
Completion date: April 1987 ( Western carriageway )
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==Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project==
==Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project==
Mahatma Gandhi Setu is now being revamped.<ref>[https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/policy/1742-crore-approved-to-revamp-mahatma-gandhi-setu-in-patna/article8760787.ece Gandhi Setu revamp]</ref> It may have happened that due to such inferior quality of reinforcement coupled with inferior concrete have been causes for such catastrophic failure.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} Stressed cables are not grouted at all. They are acting like de-bonded tendons. There is minimal stress left. That is why external pre-stressing made later could not make up the stresses lost. Even cables do not conform to the as-built drawings submitted. All as-built drawings say how improper the design was. Providing central hinge bearing may not have given so much of adverse effect as the problems cited above.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} Now it is becoming clear that there were faults in all the departments, be it design or construction or supervision or material deficiency.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}
In 2018, it was reported that Mahatma Gandhi Setu is being revamped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/policy/1742-crore-approved-to-revamp-mahatma-gandhi-setu-in-patna/article8760787.ece|title=₹1,742 crore approved to revamp Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Patna|website=The Hindu Businessline|date = 20 January 2018}}</ref> Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project has been completed by [[Afcons Infrastructure]] in joint venture with Sibmost OJSC at an estimated cost of {{INR}}1,742.01 crore.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/western-flank-of-gandhi-setu-to-be-ready-by-june/articleshow/67354612.cms|title='Western flank of Gandhi setu was re-inaugurated on June 22|website=[[The Times of India]]|date = 3 January 2019}}</ref> Of that, Rs 237 crore is spent on dismantling the structure that was replaced by the steel framework. The superstructure of Gandhi Setu was renewed by Steel Truss Girders, i.e. the steel framework replaced the entire concrete superstructure.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/country-s-longest-river-bridge-in-patna-to-be-rebuilt-115102600883_1.html|title=Country's longest river bridge in Patna to be rebuilt|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=28 October 2015|last1=Roy|first1=Vijay C.}}</ref> While the superstructure was damaged, the pillars were not and nor was the foundation weakened. The triangular steel trusses were installed on each flank of Gandhi Setu. The renovated Western flank was opened to the public on 31 July 2020, and the completed bridge (including both flanks) was inaugurated in June 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/union-minister-nitin-gadkari-inaugurates-rehabilitated-western-flank-of-gandhi-setu/articleshow/77287746.cms|title=Bihar: Union minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates rehabilitated western flank of Mahatma Gandhi Setu|website=[[The Times of India]]|date = 31 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/nitin-gadkari-inaugurates-bihars-lifeline-bridge/cid/1868814|title=Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Bihar's lifeline bridge|website=The Telegraph|date = 8 May 2022}}</ref>


Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project is being executed by [[Afcons Infrastructure]] in joint venture with Sibmost OJSC at an estimated cost of Rs 1,742.01 crore.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/western-flank-of-gandhi-setu-to-be-ready-by-june/articleshow/67354612.cms|title='Western flank of Gandhi setu to be ready by June'}}</ref>  Of that, Rs 237 crore is spent on dismantling the structure that was replaced by the steel framework. The superstructure of Gandhi Setu was renewed by Steel Truss Girders, i.e the steel framework replaced the entire concrete superstructure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/country-s-longest-river-bridge-in-patna-to-be-rebuilt-115102600883_1.html|title=Country's longest river bridge in Patna to be rebuilt}}</ref> While the superstructure was damaged, the pillars were not and nor was the foundation weakened. The triangular steel trusses were installed on each flank of Gandhi setu. The renovated Western flank was opened to public on 31 July 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/union-minister-nitin-gadkari-inaugurates-rehabilitated-western-flank-of-gandhi-setu/articleshow/77287746.cms|title=Bihar: Union minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates rehabilitated western flank of Mahatma Gandhi Setu}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[List of longest bridges in the world]]
*[[List of longest bridges above water in India]]
*[[List of bridges in India]]
*[[Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{commons category}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== See also ==
==External links==
*[[List of longest bridges in the world]]
* {{commons category-inline}}
*[[List of longest bridges above water in India]]
*[[List of bridges in India]]
*[[Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge]]


{{Rivers in Bihar}}
{{Rivers in Bihar}}
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[[Category:Former toll bridges]]
[[Category:Former toll bridges]]
[[Category:1982 establishments in Bihar]]
[[Category:1982 establishments in Bihar]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in India]]

Latest revision as of 19:47, 19 February 2025


Mahatma Gandhi Setu
Coordinates25°37′19.0″N 85°12′25.7″E / 25.621944°N 85.207139°E / 25.621944; 85.207139
OS grid referenceTemplate:Gbmappingsmall
CarriesNH-22 and NH-31[1]
CrossesGanga
LocalePatna, Bihar, India
Official nameMahatma Gandhi Setu
Other name(s)Ganga Setu
Named forMahatma Gandhi
Maintained byNational Highways Authority of India
Characteristics
DesignGirder bridge
MaterialConcrete and steel
Total length5.75 km (3.57 mi)
Width25 m (82 ft)
No. of spans45
History
DesignerGammon India
Constructed byGammon India
Construction start1972
Construction end1982
OpenedMay 1982
Statistics
TollNo (revoked)[2]
Location
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Mahatma Gandhi Setu (also called Gandhi Setu or Ganga Setu) is a bridge over the river Ganga in Bihar, India, connecting Patna in the south to Hajipur in the north.[3] Its length of 5,750 metres (18,860 ft) makes it the fourth-longest river bridge in India.[4][5][6] It was inaugurated in May 1982 in a ceremony in Hajipur by then-prime minister Indira Gandhi. From 1982 to 2017, Mahatma Gandhi Setu was the longest bridge in India. Later, the Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project was undertaken to install triangular steel trusses on Mahatma Gandhi Setu.[7]

Planning and significance[edit | edit source]

Old structure of Gandhi Setu Bridge in Patna, India

The bridge was approved by the Central Government in 1969 and built by Gammon India Limited over a period of ten years, from 1972 to 1982. The total expense was ₹87.22 crore (872.2 million rupees). It was built to connect North Bihar with the rest of Bihar through the state's capital at Patna, and as part of National Highway 19 (NH19). Before this bridge was constructed, the only bridge crossing the Ganges in Bihar was Rajendra Setu, approximately 85 kilometres (53 mi) to the east, which had opened in 1959. Since then, the Vikramshila Setu has also been built across the Ganges. Two more rail-and-road bridges were constructed between Digha and Sonepur[8] and at Munger.[9] More bridges named Kacchi Dargah Biddupur bridge under Greenfield expressway, at Chhapra, Bakhtiyaarpur, Sultanganj are under construction.

The Indian postal department issued a commemorative postage stamp, "Landmark Bridges Of India: Mahatma Gandhi Setu" on 17 August 2007.[10]

Engineering[edit | edit source]

J.P. Setu a rail cum road bridge connecting Digha in Patna to Sonpur near Hajipur

The bridge consists of 45 intermediate spans of 121.065 metres (397.19 ft) each and a span of 65.530 metres (214.99 ft) at each end.[11] The deck provides for a 7.5-metre-wide (25 ft) two-lane roadway for the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) class 70 R loading with footpaths on either side.[12] The cantilever segmental construction method was adopted; each span has two cantilever beams on both sides which are free to move at the ends. It has two lanes, one upstream and the other downstream, each with a width of around 6 metres (20 ft). These lanes are free from each other with no connections. It was constructed using 3-metre (9.8 ft) pre-cast parts, which were joined at both ends to complete the span. The spans are connected with a protrusion which is free to move longitudinally. Vertical movement allows for vibrations from vehicular movement to transfer smoothly between spans without much discreteness.[13]

Traffic congestion[edit | edit source]

In recent decades, the bridge has experienced major traffic chaos due to the increasing number of vehicles crossing it, operating in excess of capacity and overloading the structure. In 2014, Bihar government announced plans to build two pontoon bridges parallel to Gandhi Setu, in order to relieve congestion problems.[14] One pontoon bridge was opened in 2017.[15] The bridge is crossed daily by over 85,000 vehicles and 12,000 pedestrians.[citation needed] On 21 September 2020, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of another 4-lane road bridge measuring 14.5  km and will cost ₹2926.42 crores [16] It will be on the west side of the present bridge, and in the future, it will become 8 lane bridge including the present 4 lane bridge.

History[edit | edit source]

  • Construction started: Year 1972
  • Scheduled opening: June 1978.
  • Tender cost: ₹23.50 crore
  • 1st Extension of Time (EOT): June 1980
  • Allocated cost: ₹46.67 crore
  • Reasons for cost increase: This extra cost is the outcome of an "in-built" cost escalation clause in the contract
  • Reasons for delay: A heavy storm in April 1979 destroyed two gantries and casting beds. Each gantry crane weighs 300 tonnes. Huge shortage of cement and building materials and a workers' strike
  • Reports: Cement and other building materials stored for this project find their way into Nepal and parts of Bihar

from the northern side of the bridge.

  • 2nd Extension of Time (EOT): December 1981
  • Project progress: 80% ( physical ) up to September 1980
  • Billed value: ₹41 crore
  • Contractor's extra claim : ₹50 crore

Litigation & arbitration: Disagreement between the contractors and the Government overpayments stalled construction activity. Claims and bills were referred to the Law Department. Final completion date: June 1982 ( Eastern carriageway ) Completion date: April 1987 ( Western carriageway ) Total cost: 87 crores Minister of State for Public Works: Raghunath Jha Chief Minister: Jagannath Mishra

Structural integrity and failure[edit | edit source]

The bridge has often been subjected to structural loads and moving loads exceeding its design. Major repairs were initiated on it within five years of its completion. Poor maintenance, coupled with wear and tear caused by the unprecedented surge in traffic, has made the structure vulnerable. Other bridges in India which were built with the same cantilever design have developed cracks.

old concrete superstructure of Gandhi Setu before it was replaced

Investigations into the fissures developed in the bridge revealed the following defects: hammering at the hinges when vehicles plied; finger-type expansion joints in an advanced state of distress; wearing coat cracks; spilling of concrete at transverse joints; longitudinal cracks in precast segments; leakage of water inside the box girder from joints between segments and from holes provided for lifting the segments.

Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project[edit | edit source]

In 2018, it was reported that Mahatma Gandhi Setu is being revamped.[17] Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project has been completed by Afcons Infrastructure in joint venture with Sibmost OJSC at an estimated cost of ₹1,742.01 crore.[18] Of that, Rs 237 crore is spent on dismantling the structure that was replaced by the steel framework. The superstructure of Gandhi Setu was renewed by Steel Truss Girders, i.e. the steel framework replaced the entire concrete superstructure.[19] While the superstructure was damaged, the pillars were not and nor was the foundation weakened. The triangular steel trusses were installed on each flank of Gandhi Setu. The renovated Western flank was opened to the public on 31 July 2020, and the completed bridge (including both flanks) was inaugurated in June 2022.[20][21]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways" (PDF). New Delhi: Department of Road Transport and Highways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  2. ↑ Madhuri Kumar (26 September 2012). "Traffic eases on Gandhi Setu as Centre drops toll collection". The Times of India. Patna. Archived from the original on 30 April 2016. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  3. ↑ "Destinations :: Patna". Archived from the original on 18 September 2014.
  4. ↑ "Traffic eases on Gandhi Setu as Centre drops toll collection - Times of India". The Times of India. 26 September 2012.
  5. ↑ "Gandhi Setu: An engineering marvel". The Times of India. 11 June 2012. Archived from the original on 17 August 2012.
  6. ↑ longest river bridge to be rebuilt Archived 29 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine business-standard.com
  7. ↑ "Anatomy of Setu repair".
  8. ↑ "Digha Sonepur Rail Road Bridge to be operational by 2017". July 2013. Archived from the original on 6 July 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  9. ↑ Ganga Rail-Road Bridge
  10. ↑ Welcome to the Indiapost Web Site Archived 12 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ↑ "Gandhi Setu: An engineering marvel". The Times of India. 11 June 2012. Archived from the original on 17 August 2012.
  12. ↑ Gammon India Ltd. - Builders to the nation Archived 23 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ↑ "Mahatma Gandhi setu Bihar". 2 June 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  14. ↑ "Govt planning to build 2 Pontoon Bridges parallel to Gandhi Setu in Patna". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. 15 February 2014. Archived from the original on 7 May 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  15. ↑ "Patna-Hajipur pontoon bridge to open today". Times of India. 5 December 2017. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  16. ↑ "Infra boost for Bihar! PM Modi lays the foundation stone for 9 highway projects, inaugurates optical fiber services". 21 September 2020.
  17. ↑ "₹1,742 crore approved to revamp Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Patna". The Hindu Businessline. 20 January 2018.
  18. ↑ "'Western flank of Gandhi setu was re-inaugurated on June 22". The Times of India. 3 January 2019.
  19. ↑ Roy, Vijay C. (28 October 2015). "Country's longest river bridge in Patna to be rebuilt". Business Standard India.
  20. ↑ "Bihar: Union minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates rehabilitated western flank of Mahatma Gandhi Setu". The Times of India. 31 July 2020.
  21. ↑ "Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Bihar's lifeline bridge". The Telegraph. 8 May 2022.

External links[edit | edit source]

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