What is the strategical importance of Kosi Mahasetu Bridge?

Indian Railways has successfully completed the trial run for train traffic on Kosi bridge. The central government will make this bridge operational by the month of August around the death anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The bridge is located on the Nirmali-Saraigarh section of the ECR's Samastipur division and is completed at a total cost of Rs. 561.02 crore. 

List of strategic bridges made by India in 2019-2020

Why is it strategically important?

The 1.88 km long bridge is of strategic importance as it provides a shorter route to the Northeast. The bridge will also enhance the accessibility as well as the nation's capability to transport Army and military-related equipment and materials from the northern part of India to northeastern parts of India via an alternate route. 

In the present scenario, trains from Northeast India have to come down to Katihar (Bihar) and Malda (West Bengal) to go to any other parts of the country. This route is called Chicken neck and this bridge will ease the congestion in the area. 

After bridge becomes operational, the route will be opened up through Darbhanga, Nirmali and New Jalpaiguri to go to Northeastern states.  

In addition to these, the bridge will also provide an alternative Broad gauge route of around 610 km between Katihar and Gorakhpur. Also, the existing route of 505 km via Chapra and Barauni is a highly saturated corridor. 

History of the bridge

In 1887, a meter gauge rail link between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi (Saraigarh) was built by the Bengal North West Railway. However, in 1934, after severe Indo-Nepal earthquake, the rail link was washed away in the heavy flood. After this incident, no efforts were made to restore the link for this region due to the meandering nature of river Kosi. 

The then Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid its foundation on June 6, 2003, after the demand of the people living in the Kosi region at cost of 323.41 crores. After 17 years of its foundation, the bridge is likely to get operational in 2020. 

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