The Kosi Rail MahaSetu was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 18th 2020. This article aims to cover the ins and outs of the Kosi Rail Mega Bridge for candidates preparing for Government exams.
Aspirants of various competitive exams must keep abreast with this topic as questions based on it can be asked in the current affairs and general awareness section.
Kosi Rail MahaSetu – Overview
- The rail line for Kosi Mahasetu project was sanctioned during 2003 – 2004 and has been constructed at a cost of Rs 516 crore.
- The Kosi mega bridge is 1.9 km long.
- The Kosi Rail Mahasetu bridge is located on the Nirmali-Saraigarh section of the ECR’s Samastipur division.
- The dedication of the mega-bridge is a watershed moment in the history of Bihar and the entire region connecting to the North East. It is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border. The Kosi Mega Bridge cuts an otherwise 300-kilometre long journey between Samastipur and Jaynagar on Indo-Nepal border to just 22 km.
Candidates can check out the List of Longest Bridges in India for relevant details.
Kosi Rail Mega Bridge – Key Highlights
| Name of the Mega bridge | Kosi Rail Maha Setu |
| Location of Kosi Rail Bridge | Bihar (Nirmali-Saraigarh section) |
| Length of the Bridge | 1.9 kilometre long |
| Construction cost | INR 516 Crores |
| Inaugurated by | PM Narendra Modi |
| Date of inauguration | September 18th 2020 |
| Project Line Sanctioned | 2003-2004 |
Also, check the Setu Bharatam project relevant from exam point of view.
Background of the Kosi Rail Project
In 1887, a meter gauge link was built in between Nirmali and Bhaptiyahi (Saraigarh).
During the heavy flood and severe Indo Nepal earthquake in 1934, the rail link was washed away and thereafter due to the meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this Rail link for a long period.
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 a cost of 323.41 crores. After 17 years of its foundation, the bridge is getting operational in 2020.
Aspirants preparing for various government exams can follow the links given below for assistance in their preparation.
| Preparing for Competitive exams? Outdo the competitors in the examination, do a comprehensive study with the following – |
Significance of Kosi Rail MahaSetu
- The completion of Kosi Rail Mega Bridge has fulfilled the 86-year-old dream and connected Mithila and Kosi region.
- Kosi Rail bridge provides a shorter route to the Northeast region.
- It will enhance the accessibility and capability of India to transport Army and military-related equipment and materials from the northern part to northeastern regions via an alternate route.
- Besides Kosi Rail Bridge, 12 Indian Railways’ projects related to passenger facilities are also inaugurated for the benefit of the Bihar State. These 12 projects of the national transporter include five electrification projects, one Electric Locomotive Shed, a new railway bridge on the Kiul River, two new railway lines and third Line Project between Barh-Bakhtiyarpur.
- Also, the Saharsa-Asanpur Kupha demo train will be flagged off by PM Modi from the Supaul railway station. The train service is expected to be highly beneficial to the districts of Arariya, Supaul and Saharsa.
Aspirants of various government exams can check the links provided below to prepare for the general awareness section.
| Important Lakes in India | Longest Rivers of the World | Biggest, Smallest, Highest & Largest thing in India |
| Major Dams in India | Facts About Indian Railways | Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) |
About Kosi River –
- The Kosi River is a trans-boundary river, running across important cities in Bihar and Nepal.
- The Kosi River is famous for being one of the biggest tributaries of the Ganga (or the Ganges). Aspirants can know about the Major Indian River System on the link provided here.
- The Kosi River System includes some rivers that have their sources in the self-governing territory of Tibet in China. These rivers include the Sun Kosi, the Arun, and the Bhote Kosi.
- Tributaries Tamakoshi or Tamba Koshi, Sun Kosi, Indravati, Dudh Kosi, Arun, Likhu, and Tamur.
- It is also known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” as the annual floods affect about 21,000 km2 of fertile agricultural lands thereby disturbing the rural economy.
Those preparing for competitive exams can check Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridors.
Candidates can also check RSTV Big Picture – Changing Indian Railways.
The information on Kosi Rail Mega Setu is important for UPSC aspirants as well because questions on Kosi Mega Bridges can be asked in UPSC Prelims. Aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam can check the links given below –
You can also check out the preparation strategies for competitive exams to fine-tune your exam prep.
Comments