Patna: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of the much-anticipated Patna-Bettiah National Highway (NH-139W), a four-lane project aimed at easing travel between Patna, North Bihar, Seemanchal, and Uttar Pradesh. The 171.29 km highway, with an estimated cost of Rs 8,660.70 crore, is expected to significantly reduce travel time from Patna to Bettiah from over five hours to just three.
The highway will pass through key districts, including Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, and West Champaran, offering an alternative route for North Bihar and Seemanchal. Additionally, an 18 km spur connectivity will be constructed from Konhua (Darihara) to NH-722, enhancing road infrastructure in the region.
Project Breakdown
The construction of NH-139W has been divided into five key segments:
- Bakarpur to Manikpur (38.814 km): Construction work in progress.
- Manikpur to Sahebganj (44.650 km): Approved.
- Sahebganj to Areraj (38.362 km): Tender process underway.
- Areraj to Bettiah (40.580 km): Tender process underway.
- Digha-Bakarpur six-lane bridge (4.5 km): Approved.
Key Benefits of NH-139W
- Travel time between Patna and Bettiah will be reduced to three hours.
- Traffic congestion on JP Setu will ease.
- North Bihar and Seemanchal will gain an alternative route.
- Industrial and business activities in the region will receive a boost.
Construction work between Bakarpur and Manikpur is already underway, and authorities aim to complete the project as quickly as possible. Once operational, the highway is expected to become a crucial transportation link, enhancing connectivity and economic growth in Bihar.
