[7] The bridge was approved by the Central Government in 1969 and built by Gammon India Limited over a period of ten years, from 1972 to 1982.

The Indian postal department issued a commemorative postage stamp, "Landmark Bridges Of India: Mahatma Gandhi Setu" on 17 August 2007.

[11] The deck provides for a 7.5-metre-wide (25 ft) two-lane roadway for IRC[expand acronym] class 70 R loading with footpaths on either side.

[13] In recent decades, the bridge has experienced major traffic chaos due to the increasing number of vehicles crossing it, operating in excess of capacity and overloading the structure.

In 2014, Bihar government announced plans to build two pontoon bridges parallel to Gandhi Setu, in order to relieve congestion problems.

Final completion date: June 1982 ( Eastern carriageway ) Completion date: April 1987 ( Western carriageway ) Total cost: 87 crores Minister of State for Public Works: Raghunath Jha Chief Minister: Jagannath Mishra The bridge has often been subjected to structural loads and moving loads exceeding its design.

Poor maintenance, coupled with wear and tear caused by the unprecedented surge in traffic, has made the structure vulnerable.

[17] Gandhi Setu rehabilitation project has been completed by Afcons Infrastructure in joint venture with Sibmost OJSC at an estimated cost of ₹1,742.01 crore.