Patna, Nov. 14: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has selected a Mumbai-based firm for studying the feasibility for a new bridge parallel to the Gandhi Setu.

A formal agreement between NHAI and the Mumbai company, which specialises in such work, is likely to be inked by the end of November. The firm will start work after completing the agreement formalities and is expected to submit its report by the first week of April 2012.

“The feasibility study for the new bridge is part of the work under which the selected firm would also carry out a detailed study for complete rehabilitation of Gandhi Setu,” a senior NHAI official said.

The Union road construction and highways ministry has given “in-principle” consent for the proposed bridge across the Ganga that would have its southern end near Kachchi Dargah in Patna and the northern tip near Raghopur diara in Vaishali district.