Patna: In a significant push to Bihar’s road infrastructure, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved several key national highway and expressway projects aimed at strengthening connectivity across the state. The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting held in Patna, attended by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Bihar Road Construction Minister Eng. Kumar Shailendra.
The meeting focused on accelerating ongoing road projects and approving new high-impact infrastructure corridors that will improve interstate and intrastate connectivity.
Key Approved Projects in Bihar
Several major road and highway projects received approval or in-principle clearance during the review meeting. These include:
- Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi–Sonbarsa Four-Lane Highway (NH-22): 82.58 km stretch approved for development
- Manua Pul–Sevarahi Bridge (NH-727A): Including connecting roads over Gandak River
- Patna Elevated Road Project: 13.41 km six-lane elevated and at-grade corridor from Saristabad to Didarganj
These projects are expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve regional mobility.
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Greenfield Expressways to Transform Connectivity
The meeting also cleared major greenfield expressway proposals designed to enhance long-distance connectivity across Bihar and adjoining states:
- Patna–Purnia Greenfield Expressway (NE-9): 244.96 km six-lane corridor
- Kanki–Lerua Greenfield Highway: Part of the Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata connectivity corridor
- Positive approvals and support for additional corridors including:
- Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway
- Raxaul–Haldia Expressway
- Buxar–Bhagalpur Expressway
These expressways are expected to improve trade routes and reduce travel time significantly.
Progress on Pending Highway Projects
The review meeting also focused on accelerating several pending national highway upgrades, including:
- Muzaffarpur–Barauni (NH-122) development
- Four-laning of NH-139
- Ram Janaki Marg development
- NH-333 expansion (Barhiya–Jamui stretch through Gangta forest region)
- NH-333A upgrades
- Darbhanga–Supaul highway project
- New elevated bridge over Gandak River
Officials assured faster execution and resolution of pending approvals.
Ambitious New Proposal Along the Ganga River
A major proposal was also discussed for a new road along the northern bank of the Ganga River, connecting:
- Vikramshila Setu
- Jhanavi Chowk
- Agwani Ghat
- Patna region
This proposed corridor is designed on the lines of the existing riverbank road from Munger to Sabour and is expected to become a key transport lifeline if approved.
Government Vision for Bihar’s Infrastructure Growth
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Minister Kumar Shailendra stated that the meeting marks a major milestone for the state’s road infrastructure development. They emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coordination between the central and state governments will ensure timely completion of these projects, boosting economic growth and connectivity across Bihar.
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