Patna: A major breakthrough in eastern India’s infrastructure development is on the horizon, as the long-pending proposal to upgrade the Gorakhpur–Siliguri corridor into a six-lane highway has moved closer to approval. Along with this, the Raxaul–Haldia route is also set to be developed into a six-lane expressway, significantly strengthening connectivity between eastern India and the northeastern region.
According to officials from Bihar’s Road Construction Department, the project has received positive momentum following a high-level meeting involving Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and senior state officials.
PPPAC Approval for Gorakhpur–Siliguri Corridor Expected Soon
Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal stated that the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) is expected to grant approval for the Gorakhpur–Siliguri corridor by the end of July.
The minister reportedly directed concerned officials to expedite the approval process, indicating strong central support for the infrastructure push.
Major Expansion Plans for Bihar Highway Network
During the meeting, several key infrastructure proposals for Bihar received positive attention and directives for immediate action, including:
- Development of the Buxar–Bhagalpur route as a high-speed expressway
- Fast-tracking the Muzaffarpur–Barauni corridor
- Construction of a new Muzaffarpur bypass under the western alignment project
Officials confirmed that these projects are expected to significantly improve intra-state connectivity and reduce travel time across major economic zones.
Additional Bridge and Road Projects Approved
The government has also directed timely completion of several critical road and bridge projects, including:
- A new additional two-lane bridge over the Gandak River
- Completion of the remaining work on the Hajipur–Chhapra four-lane road
These upgrades are expected to ease congestion and improve transport efficiency across key routes in northern Bihar.
Barhiya–Kharagpur–Jamui Four-Lane Highway Proposal
Another major development includes approval for a four-lane highway from Barhiya through Kharagpur to Jamui (NH-333). The plan also includes widening the existing road passing through the Gangta forest region.
Bihar PWD Minister Kumar Shailendra highlighted that the proposal has received initial approval and will move forward with detailed planning.
Elevated Road Planned for Forest Area Protection
To balance infrastructure development with environmental conservation, an elevated road (flyover-style corridor) has been proposed through the forest region.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has instructed officials to prepare and submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) at the earliest, ensuring wildlife protection measures are fully integrated into the design.
Boost to Connectivity, Trade, and Regional Growth
Once completed, these infrastructure projects are expected to:
- Cut travel time between key eastern and northeastern regions by nearly half
- Strengthen direct connectivity between industrial hubs and ports
- Enhance logistics efficiency across Bihar and neighboring states
- Accelerate regional trade and economic development
Officials believe the combined impact of these expressway upgrades will transform Bihar into a major transit and logistics corridor for eastern India.
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