ADB Delegation Discusses Bihar State Highway Project-4 with Road Construction Department Officials

Chirag Gupta

Patna: A high-level delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) met Additional Chief Secretary of the Road Construction Department, Mihir Kumar Singh, to discuss the proposed Bihar State Highway Project-4. The project includes the development of Banganga Bhindas Path, Ara Ekauna, Chhapra Guthni, Hathaudi Atrar, and Asarganj Dhoraiya Path, which are set to be constructed with ADB’s financial assistance and have already received administrative approval.

The meeting focused on land acquisition and forest clearance, critical for the project’s implementation. Protected forests along several routes necessitate consent from the Forest Department before construction can proceed. ADB representatives emphasised the importance of timely land acquisition and expressed optimism about the process being completed within the stipulated timeframe. The Additional Chief Secretary assured immediate action to address these issues.

BSRDCL Chief General Manager Praveen Chandra Gupta briefed the attendees about progress in meetings with ADB and discussed timelines for tender invitations and contract awards. ADB’s mission team will submit a report to its Manila headquarters, where funding recommendations will be reviewed. Once finalised, loan discussions will proceed to ensure the availability of funds for road construction.

BSRDCL Managing Director Shirsat Kapil Ashok directed engineers to adhere strictly to ADB’s loan conditions and ensure administrative approvals are expedited for timely project initiation. He reiterated the department’s commitment to meeting deadlines and fulfilling all procedural requirements.

The meeting was attended by BSRDCL Secretary B Karthikeya Dhanji, ADB representatives Yidan Luo, Jagir Kumar, Maria Iris, Maria Laurin, Ashutosh Kumar Singh, and Asad Intekhab Nair, along with other officials from the Road Construction Department.