Patna: The long-pending construction of the Madanpur-Paniyahua section of National Highway-727 (NH-727) in Bihar has faced delays for years due to forest department objections and environmental regulations. To address this issue, the Bihar government has proposed a new alignment that bypasses the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve, ensuring smoother execution of the project.
Massive Bridge Planned Over Gandak River
Bihar Road Minister Dr. Dilip Jaiswal announced that a major bridge will be constructed over the Gandak River, connecting Shastrinagar in Bagaha to Belwania. The project includes a fully operational roadway, designed to improve regional connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods and people.
The total estimated cost of the project is ₹4325.72 crore, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was already submitted to the Central Government on 15 May 2025. This initiative is expected to resolve long-standing traffic issues while creating significant economic opportunities for the surrounding areas.
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Local Leaders Advocate for Project Completion
The construction of this road and bridge has long been demanded by local residents, who have faced accessibility challenges for years. Prominent leaders including Valmikinagar MP Sunil Kumar and former Bagaha MLA Prabhat Ranjan Singh have raised the issue with the minister, emphasizing its importance for regional development.
Additionally, in a recent meeting chaired by advocate Firoz Alam, the project was described as a “lifeline” for local communities, highlighting the economic and social benefits it would bring once completed.
Central Government Requested to Reconsider
In a letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Dr. Jaiswal urged the central authorities to reconsider the project proposal and expedite its approval. The minister emphasized that failing to implement the road and bridge would be a setback for the local population and called for immediate action to ensure work begins as soon as possible.
Once completed, the bridge over the Gandak River and the new roadway will not only ease traffic congestion but also transform the economic landscape of Bagaha and surrounding regions, opening up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and local development.
Economic and Connectivity Benefits
The NH-727 realignment and the new bridge are expected to:
- Provide faster and safer travel for residents of Bagaha and neighboring areas
- Reduce dependency on older, less reliable routes
- Boost local commerce and facilitate the transport of agricultural and industrial goods
- Enhance tourism potential in areas near Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve by improving accessibility
