Kosi Rail Mahasetu: Railway bridge rebuilt after 86 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently dedicated the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu (mega bridge) to the nation. The dedication of the bridge is a watershed moment in the history of Bihar and the entire region connected to the Northeast.

In 1887, a meter-gauge link was built between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi (Saraigarh). During the heavy flood and severe Indo-Nepal earthquake in 1934, the rail link was washed away and thereafter owing to the meandering nature of river Kosi, no attempt was made to restore it for a long time.

The Kosi Mega Bridge line project was sanctioned by the Government of India in 2003-04. The Kosi Rail Mahasetu is 1.9-km long and its construction cost is Rs.5.16 billion. This bridge is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border. The project was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic and migrant labour also participated in its completion.