Question: Consider the following statements:
(1) On 18th September 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu to the nation.
(2) The 1.9-kilometre long Kosi mega bridge will reduce the rail distance between Nirmali and Saraigarh from the present 298 kilometres to 22 kilometres.
Of the above correct statement/s is/are:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1&2
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- On 18th September 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu (mega bridge) to the nation through video-conference.
- The 1.9-kilometre long Kosi mega bridge has been completed at a total cost of 516 crore rupees.
- With the construction of the bridge the rail distance between Nirmali and Saraigarh would come down from the present 298 kilometres to 22 kilometres.
- This bridge is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border.
Background:
- In 1887, a meter gauge link was built in between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi (Saraigarh).
- During the heavy flood and severe Indo Nepal earthquake in 1934, the rail link was washed away and thereafter due to meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this Rail link for long period.
- The Kosi Mega Bridge line project was sanctioned by Government of India during 2003-04.
Other Projects Inaugurated:
- Apart from this the Prime Minister also inaugurated 12 rail projects related to passenger facilities for the benefit of the Bihar State.
- These include a new railway bridge on the Kiul River, two new railway lines, 5 Electrification projects, one Electric Locomotive Shed and 3rd Line Project between Barh-Bakhtiyarpur.
By-Amar Mani Upadhyay
Links:
http://ddnews.gov.in/national/pm-modi-inaugurates-kosi-rail-mega-bridge-and-12-railway-projects-bihar
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1655178