The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a target completion date of December 2026 for the Sahibganj-Manihari Ganga bridge, which will span 22 kilometers and connect Sahibganj in Jharkhand to Narenpur in Bihar's Katihar district. This project is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the Santhal Pargana region and Bihar, West Bengal, and the Northeastern states of India. Additionally, it aims to facilitate trade with neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The bridge project comprises three key components: the Jharkhand Link (NH-133B), the Manihari Bypass to alleviate traffic in Manihari town, and the four-laning of NH-131A near Narenpur. A notable feature is the 6-km-long main bridge constructed using extradosed technology, which enhances structural strength and aesthetics. Furthermore, the project includes a 300-meter rail bridge over the 'Chhoti Ganga' and multiple smaller bridges and underpasses. Once completed, the bridge is expected to reduce travel distances between the two cities by nearly 10%, alleviating congestion at the Vikram Shila Setu bridge in Bhagalpur.