In a historic milestone for Bihar’s infrastructure growth, the Central Government has officially declared the Patna-Purnia Expressway as a National Expressway. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified the project as National Expressway-9 (NE-9), making it the first expressway in Bihar to be built entirely within the state.
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Bihar’s Road Construction Minister Mr. Nitin Naveen expressed gratitude to the Centre, calling it a proud moment for the state. “It is a matter of pride for Bihar to get the status of this project as National Expressway-9. The work has gained momentum since the announcement of the project and the state government will continue to cooperate with the Centre in every possible way to complete it on time,” he said.
Faster Travel, Stronger Road Network
Once operational, the expressway will reduce travel time between Patna and Purnia to just three hours. The corridor is expected to transform connectivity in eastern Bihar, especially in the Seemanchal region, by providing faster movement of goods and passengers.
Minister Naveen emphasised that the expressway will not only enhance road infrastructure but also accelerate the socio-economic development of the eastern districts, giving a new identity to Bihar’s road network.
Key Features of NE-9
The Patna-Purnia Expressway will stretch over 250 km, starting from Mirnagar Arezi near Hajipur and extending to Hansdah in Purnia district. It will pass through several towns and villages while connecting important district headquarters such as Samastipur, Saharsa, and Madhepura via link roads.
The project includes large bridges, railway overbridges, modern interchanges, underpasses, and service roads to ensure smooth connectivity and safety. Land acquisition is progressing rapidly across more than 250 villages in six districts, paving the way for construction work to begin soon.
Boost to Bihar’s Infrastructure Development
The expressway is expected to open a new chapter in Bihar’s infrastructure growth by improving regional accessibility, promoting investment, and boosting tourism in underdeveloped areas. Officials stated that once completed, NE-9 will serve as a lifeline for trade and economic activity in eastern Bihar, further integrating the region with the state capital and other economic hubs.
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