Patna: Bihar has witnessed a transformative shift in its transportation infrastructure – across road, rail, and air – driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special economic package of ₹1.25 lakh crore, first announced during a 2015 election rally. Aided by the efforts of the “double-engine government” – with both state and central alignment – the implementation of this package has progressed significantly, ushering in a new era of connectivity and mobility in the state.
Road Infrastructure: Over 1,300 km Built, 44 Projects Completed
The Ministry of Road Transport was allotted the largest share of the package, earmarked for the construction of 2,836 km of national highways across 74 projects, with an estimated cost of ₹51,540 crore.
So far, 44 projects have been completed, resulting in the development of 1,304 km of new roads, at an incurred cost of ₹14,898 crore. Key completed projects include:
- Reconstruction of Mahatma Gandhi Setu (NH-19) – ₹1,742 crore
- Patna-Gaya-Dobhi (NH-83) – ₹1,680 crore
- Simaria-Khagaria 4-lane (NH-31) – ₹1,063 crore
- Koilwar-Bhojpur 4-lane – ₹750 crore
- Bhojpur-Buxar 4-lane (NH-84) – ₹595 crore
22 Ongoing Road Projects to Be Completed by FY 2027-28
Currently, 22 road projects covering 1,570 km are underway with an investment of ₹25,933 crore. Eleven of these are slated for completion by the end of the current financial year, while all are expected to be finished by FY 2027-28. These include:
- A 4-lane bridge parallel to Mahatma Gandhi Setu
- Patna-Koilwar 4-lane highway
- Umgaon-Saharsa road and Kosi bridge
- Munger-Mirzachowki 4-lane highway
- Vikramshila Setu over the Ganga
Additionally, five new projects spanning 271 km (cost: ₹5,797 crore) are poised to begin shortly. Two more projects await final approval. However, Sonbarsa and Raxaul road projects have been deferred due to their inclusion in the India-Nepal Border Road Project overseen by the Ministry of Defence.
Rail Sector Advancements: 5 Projects Completed, 4 Nearing Completion
Of the nine railway projects under the package, five have been completed and four are in advanced stages, indicating rapid progress in the rail sector. A total of 652 km of new or doubled track has been developed with ₹4,841 crore invested.
Key ongoing rail projects expected to be completed by year-end include:
- Doubling of Kiul-Gaya line
- Samastipur-Darbhanga doubling
- Third line between Dhanbad and Sonnagar
- Rampur Dumra Tal doubling
- Rajendra Bridge construction
Work is currently underway on 466 km of additional lines at a projected cost of ₹7,736 crore.
Civil Aviation Boost: Airports at Patna, Gaya, Bihta, Purnia, and Raxaul
The civil aviation component of the package has also made significant strides. Apart from Patna, new airport projects are in various stages of development in Bihta, Gaya, Raxaul, and Purnia.
The Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna has undergone a major overhaul, with a ₹1,216 crore investment resulting in a modern terminal and upgraded facilities. The Gaya Airport has also seen enhancements with an outlay of ₹68.72 crore.
Recent developments include–
- Inauguration of Patna Airport’s new terminal by the Prime Minister
- Commencement of construction at Bihta Airport
- Preparation work underway for Purnia Airport
- Land survey ongoing for Raxaul Airport, construction to follow
A New Era for Bihar’s Connectivity
With strong central-state collaboration, Bihar’s transportation backbone is undergoing unprecedented expansion. Whether through express highways, modern railway corridors, or state-of-the-art airport terminals, the state is gearing up for seamless, multi-modal connectivity that will fuel economic growth, regional equity, and improved quality of life for its citizens.
