Chief minister Nitish Kumar's scheduled visit to Bhagalpur and Sultanganj on Monday has enthused JDU workers and rekindled hopes of early completion of a bridge across the Ganga.

The 3,160m-long Sultanganj-Aguwani Ghat bridge is slated for completion in five years at an estimated cost of Rs 1,710 crore. It would connect eastern parts of Bihar with northern parts - from Sultanganj in Bhagalpur to Parbatta block in Khagaria district. "Nitish ji laid the foundation stone at Aguwani Ghat sometime last year but work got delayed over technical issues. The chief minister's visit would accelerate progress," said Subodh Roy, JDU MLA from Sultanganj.

Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi tried to restart work and was scheduled to visit Sultanganj in February but the programme was cancelled, the observers said.

Experts also raised questions on funds for the bridge. Construction along with compensation against land acquisition and approach road is estimated to cost nearly Rs 1,710 crore. The state government provided Rs 100 crore and was to borrow the rest from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

"Nitish ji wants to complete it on time. The bridge is his priority, that is why he is coming," Gopalpur's JDU MLA Gopal Mandal said.

He is also scheduled to attend a function to mark the death anniversary of noted teacher Ganesh Tiwary at CMS school. Bihar Players' Association president Mritunjay Tiwary said Nitish would also felicitate eminent persons from different walks of lives for contribution in their fields.