Mahatma Gandhi Setu Patna

Mahatma Gandhi Setu Patna :-

Mahatma Gandhi Setu is a bridge over the river Gangas Connecting Patna in the south to Hajipur in the north of Bihar. It was the longest river bridge in india at the time of its construction. It was inaugurated in May 1982 by the then Prime Minister., Mrs Indira Gnadhi. Its lenght is 5,575 metres (18,291ft). which makes it was one of the longest bridges in the world. There are 48 pilars to this bridge.

                                                   Mahatma Gandhi Setu left side view

                                                                      Bridge Top view

This bridge was built by Gammon India Limited. It consist 46 sapns of 121 metres (397ft) each and 2 spans of 63 metres (207ft) at each end. The deck provides for a 7.5 metres (25ft) wide two lane roadway for  IRC class 70 R loading  with footpaths on either side. The cantiliver segmental construction method is adopted to construct this mega bridge. 650 million or 65 crore (at 1972 prices of India ) rupees were spent on constructing this bridge.  

A view of Mahatma Gandhi Setu 

It took over a decade to construct this wonderful feat of engineering genius. Though the project was sanctioned in 1969 by the central goverment, construction work could begin in 1972. Patna is located on the south bank of the river Ganga. Patna has a very long riverline,  and  it is surrounded on three sides by river Ganga , Sona  and Punpun. Just to the north of Patna across the river Ganga flows the river Gandak.

In fact, before the inauguration of the setu, north Bihar - bounded people from Patna had to negotiate the Ganga either using a boat, a ship or a steamer. The only other option was taking a long and tiring rail rout. So the basic purpose of the Setu was to cut short the travelling time from the state capital to north Bihar.

The view of river Ganga flowing down majestically below is simply breathtaking. Hundreds of pedestrains and over 40,000 vehicles ply every day across the longest cantilever bridge of Asia. Since its inauguration in 1982, the Gandhi setu has been the passage of myriad activities. While brisk business is carried on at the one end of the bridge in the capital town itself, the same is happening in the various districts and towns of the north Bihar. Both the market together provide livelihood for over 1,00,000 people. Besides , thousands of people visit these markets from far off places every day. All acknowledge the role of this towering bridge in their business and daily life, creating a bond between two generations. 

However , the Setu is now stressed beyond limit under the weight of heavy vehicles constantly plying over it from Patna and North Bihar and threatening its existence. 

Two pillars of the bridge developed cracks four years ago, only 26 years after it was inaugurated. It wasn't supposed to considering that it was flaunted as an engineering  marvel that would serve people for at least a century .

Poor maintenance , coupled with wear and tear caused by the unprecedented surge in traffic, has made the structur vulnerable. If a larger crack develops , it will sever the lifeline between the state capital and  north  Bihar.     

"For us the Setu is our lifeline. If there is further damage, the entire communication network with north Bihar will be paralysed ,"

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

"Others bridges across the country built with the same design in cantilever technology but with slight variations have also developed cracks. The Mandovi river bridge in Goa, built with the same technology , collapsed 16 years into its commissioning  while two other bridges on Zuari and Borim rivers, also in Goa have developed problems and have been closed for heavy traffic ," said NHAI sources.

The inherent fault of the pre stressed technology not withstanding , the increased load of traffic - estimate at 40,000 vehicles per day- has also damaged its piers. 

The Mahatma Gandhi Setu is now RCD's topmost priority. The NHAI was given the task of preparing a report for improving its conditions througt competitive bidding. It roped in the service of Mumbai- based SN Bhobe & Associates as a consultant for conducting a detailed study for undertaking renovation work of the Setu and finding out the feassibility of constructing a new bridge ," 

However, Bhobe & Associated has suggested some short term measures for immediate  repair of the bridge , for which an estimate of RS 29 crores has been prepared. 

It may be mentioned here that road construction minister Nand Kishor Yadav had informed the Bihar Legislative Council in its last session that the ministry of surface transport and highways (MOSH) had transferred the stretch from 207.2km to 222km on NH -19, which includes Mahatma Gandhi Setu.  to the NHAI through a gazette notification on september 28, 2011

The inspection of the river bridge was in progress. soon after the submission of the detailed project report (DPR) , The NHAI, would invite tender for the renovation and maintenance of the bridge. 

However , repair work of upstream extension joints and wearing coat of the bridge which is being rendone with mastic asphalt and bituminuous concrete is nearing completion.  This is being done to make riding smooth and reduce load.

"The RCD  has also requested to central goverment to stop toll collection on the bridge as long queues of heavy vehicles waiting for their turn to pay tax only increases the static load on the bridge. However the ministry is yet to respond to our request," said the RCD secretary. 

Considering the significant role the Mahatma Gandhi Setu has been playing for decades in people's lives in this region, it is unimaginable to think of Patna skyline without Mahatma Gandhi Setu.