Patna: Bihar is set to get its first expressway, with the Centre granting financial approval for the Patna–Purnia (NE-9) corridor, a major infrastructure project expected to transform connectivity across the state.
The approval by the Department of Economic Affairs marks a key milestone for the project, which is designed to enable travel between Patna and Purnia in around three hours at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Hybrid model, future-ready design
The expressway will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), with the government funding 40% of the project cost and the private concessionaire contributing the remaining 60%.
Although the corridor will initially be built as a four-lane highway, land acquisition is being undertaken for six lanes, allowing for future expansion as traffic demand grows.
The project, estimated to cost around Rs 32,000 crore, will begin at Mirnagar Areji in Hajipur, Vaishali district, and connect to the East–West Corridor at Hansdah in Purnia.
Major engineering features
One of the standout components of the project is a 7km-long, six-lane bridge across the Kosi river, linking Kusheshwarasthan and Simri Bakhtiyarpur.
The expressway will be executed in three packages and pass through key districts including Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura and Purnia.
Officials said the project will include 21 major bridges and 11 railway overbridges to ensure uninterrupted travel.
Boost to regional connectivity
Special link roads are also planned to connect district headquarters such as Samastipur, Saharsa and Madhepura to the expressway, enhancing regional accessibility.
The corridor is expected to serve as a major logistics route, improving connectivity towards eastern states such as West Bengal and Assam while facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers.
Economic and urban impact
Authorities said the expressway is likely to act as a growth driver for Bihar’s economy, particularly in the Seemanchal region, by opening up new opportunities for trade and investment.
Integration with the proposed Patna Ring Road is also expected to help ease congestion within the state capital.
The project is expected to move to the execution stage once it receives final approval from the Union cabinet, with construction likely to begin thereafter.
