APPROVAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PERMANENT BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER GANGES

APPROVAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PERMANENT BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER GANGES

20-JULY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Following the relentless efforts of CPI-ML Central Committee member and Ara MP Sudama Prasad, approval has been secured for a project costing ₹1,564 crore to build a permanent bridge and a four-lane road at the site of the long-standing pontoon bridge. MP Sudama Prasad had met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on March 17, 2024, submitting a memorandum and advocating for the construction of a permanent bridge and road to replace the pontoon bridge that had long served as the link between Ara and Ballia. It is worth noting that the people of Ara and Ballia faced significant commuting difficulties; while a pontoon bridge had been installed, it was merely a temporary solution, operational for only six months of the year. Rising water levels in the Ganges would force its closure for the remaining six months, causing immense hardship for travelers moving between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Addressing this long-standing demand of the people of both states, MP Sudama Prasad raised the issue in the Lok Sabha and reiterated the request during meetings with Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari; ultimately, the Central Government acceded to the demand following his persistent efforts. The construction of this bridge and four-lane road will foster significant development in terms of connectivity, trade, and cultural exchange for the people of both states.

Dilraj Pritam, Secretary of the CPI-ML District Office, shared this information with journalists through a press release.