Gaya/Patna: Bihar assembly speaker Prem Kumar on Saturday inspected the construction work of the proposed Amas-Darbhanga Greenfield Expressway, describing the project as a major step in the state’s infrastructure development.
Speaker reviews progress and implementation
Kumar reviewed the progress and sought detailed updates from officials on implementation, quality control and timelines of the Greenfield Expressway, officially designated as the National Highway-119D.
Four-lane corridor being developed under Bharatmala scheme
According to officials, the four-lane access-controlled highway is being developed under the Bharatmala programme using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The expressway, stretching around 190km from Amas in Gaya to Shivrampur in Darbhanga district , is the first greenfield expressway project in Bihar.
Kumar said the project would improve connectivity between different parts of the state and support trade, industry and agriculture while easing travel for residents.
Project cost estimated at Rs 1,157.5 crore
The project, being executed by a government recognized private construction company, is estimated to cost about Rs 1,157.5 crore. The work order was issued on May 20, 2022 and construction began on March 31, 2023, with a scheduled completion period of 24 months.
Land access and financial progress reviewed
Officials informed the speaker that physical access had been secured on approximately 50.549km of the total 55.002km stretch, while encumbrances remained on around 4.453km of land. About 44.51% of the project’s financial work has been completed so far.
Officials directed to maintain quality standards
Kumar instructed officials to ensure that construction quality was not compromised and directed them to take all necessary steps to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
Project officials, engineers and local elected representatives were present during the inspection.
Progress of North Koel irrigation project also reviewed
Earlier, Kumar also reviewed the construction of the North Koel reservoir and irrigation project on Friday, where he assessed progress, technical aspects and quality standards.
Rs 1,367 crore project to benefit farmers across two districts
The irrigation scheme, being developed at a cost of about Rs 1,367 crore, is expected to benefit farmers in the blocks of Gurua, Guraru, Konch, Paraiya and Amas in Gaya district, as well as Madanpur in Aurangabad district, by improving irrigation facilities and increasing agricultural productivity.
Irrigation target set for 36,500 hectares
Kumar said the project aimed to provide irrigation to nearly 36,500 hectares of farmland, strengthening the region’s agricultural economy and raising farmers’ incomes. Officials informed him that around 65% of the construction work had been completed.
Authorities directed to ensure timely completion
He instructed authorities to ensure that the remaining work was completed within the prescribed timeline and in accordance with quality standards.
Main canal construction progressing rapidly
Officials also said the project included the construction of a main canal extending around 19km, along with associated infrastructure works that were progressing rapidly.
Assembly speaker credits Centre for reviving irrigation scheme
Kumar credited the Narendra Modi government with reviving the irrigation scheme, claiming it had previously been shelved despite having been initiated during a Congress administration.
