Industrialists on Thursday requested the state government to take some immediate steps towards providing them with alternative routes so that north and south Bihar could be well connected.

During a pre-budget consultation meeting chaired by finance minister Bijender Yadav, representatives of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) and the Bihar Industries Association (BIA) said the almost non-functional Mahatma Gandhi Setu and the Rajendra Setu had turned out into a nightmare for them with the state witnessing losses amounting to almost Rs 3,000 crore.

The legislative budget session will start February 20.

'The movement of heavy vehicles on the Mahatma Gandhi Setu has been stopped since long and the Rajendra Setu too is not functional. We are facing a lot of problems and our costs have increased as a result. The state government should take some immediate measures and get a solution out. Suggestions have been given to the state government to ensure that the almost complete Digha-Pahleja rail-cum-road bridge and Munger rail-cum-road bridge be started with immediate effect,' O.P, Sah, president, BCCI, said.

Arun Agarwal, president, BIA, said with the industry sector witnessing slow but steady growth, the budget size of the sector should be increased in 2015-16.

'At least Rs 700 crore has been allocated for the industries sector in the 2014-15 budget. It is our request that the amount meant for the industries sector be doubled this time. With the sector expecting to grow more, the state government must concentrate on certain important things like setting up of more airports and land availability. Also, the state must formulate a concrete plan and prepare itself for the upcoming Amritsar-Delhi corridor,' Agarwal said.

Sources in the finance department said there would be some major approvals in taxation in the industries and transport sectors.