Patna: The widening and strengthening of the Haveli Kharagpur-Tarapur road in Bihar’s Munger district has gained momentum after key forest and administrative clearance hurdles were resolved. The 12.30-km road is being expanded from 5.5 metres to 7 metres to improve connectivity and ease traffic movement.
The Bihar Road Construction Department (RCD) has approved around ₹87.66 crore for the project, which was awarded to a private agency. Construction formally began on September 24, 2024.
Forest Clearance Clears Way for Construction
The widening work faced delays due to issues involving forest land. The department submitted a proposal through the PARIVESH portal on January 15, 2024, to resolve the clearance-related issues.
The Bihar Cabinet approved the transfer of 4.92 hectares of non-forest land on April 29, 2026. The Forest Department subsequently granted final permission for the widening work on May 12, 2026.
Following the approval, construction activity accelerated on the road corridor.
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Road to Become a Two-Lane Route
The existing 5.5-metre-wide road is being widened to 7 metres, creating a two-lane road across the 12.30-km stretch.
Around 11.674 km of scheduled ground-level and Dense Graded Bituminous Macadam (DGBM) work has been completed. All bridges and culverts on the project stretch have also been completed.
The project has achieved around 70% physical progress, while financial progress stands at 35%. The widening and DGBM work is complete, while the final Bituminous Concrete (BC) and mastic layer work is currently underway.
Project Targeted for March 2027
Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal said the project is scheduled for completion by March 9, 2027.
Despite delays caused by clearance issues, the project has not required any increase in its approved cost. The department has continued work after resolving the key administrative and forest-related hurdles.
Better Connectivity for Munger
The Kharagpur-Tarapur road serves as an important connectivity route in Munger district. Its widening is expected to ease congestion and make travel smoother for residents and other road users.
The improved road will also support the movement of agricultural produce and other goods while helping commuters save travel time. The project is expected to strengthen road connectivity and support economic activity in the surrounding areas.
The progress of the project also highlights the importance of coordination between government departments in resolving clearance-related challenges and keeping major infrastructure projects on track.
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