Why in News?

=> Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and State Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the eastern end of the Mahatma Gandhi Setu at Patna in the state of Bihar.

Key Points:

=> The eastern lane of the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, which was the longest bridge in the country for 35 years, has been completed after five years.

=> This bridge will be a lifeline from Patna to north Bihar, now the distance from Patna to Vaishali will be covered in 15 minutes.

=> It is made of steel instead of cemented.

=> This bridge is the largest steel bridge in the country.

• It is 5.6 km long.

=> Such a steel bridge has been constructed for the first time in the country.

=> 67,000 tons of iron have been used in its construction.

=> It is known that Mahatma Gandhi Setu has been constructed under 15 National Highway projects at a cost of Rs.13,585 crore.

By: ASRAF UDDIN AHMED