ADB Fact-Finding Mission Evaluates Viability of Bihar’s Proposed Road Projects

Chirag Gupta

Patna: A Fact-Finding Mission from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), led by transport specialist Yidan Luo, visited Bihar to assess the readiness and feasibility of five proposed road projects under Phase-2 of the Bihar State Highway Project (IV). The team reviewed project details, including the Bangabga-Jethian-Gehlor-Bindus Road (41.256 km), Ara-Ekauna-Khaira-Sahar Road (32.263 km), High-Level Bridge & Approach Road Hathouri-Atrar-Bavangama-Aurai Road (21.30 km), Chhapra-Manjhi-Darauli-Guthani Road (72.183 km), and Asarganj-Sambhuganj-English Punsiya-Dhoraiya Road (58.473 km).

The mission examined the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and project costs, focusing on environmental and social safeguards. During the visit, the ADB team inspected three of the proposed roads—Ara-Ekauna-Khaira-Sahar Road, Chhapra-Manjhi-Darauli-Guthani Road, and Asarganj-Sambhuganj-English Punsiya-Dhoraiya Road—and held discussions with Bihar State Road Development Corporation Ltd. (BSRDCL) officials regarding financial plans and cost-sharing.

Key issues discussed included the completion of land acquisition processes and obtaining statutory clearances, such as environmental and forest approvals. The ADB team will prepare a detailed report based on these discussions and submit its recommendations to the ADB Board of Directors in Manila. Upon approval, a loan and Project agreement will be executed, and bids for the projects will follow under FIDIC and EPC mode contracts.

ADB also agreed to fund studies on real-time project monitoring and an e-mobility plan to promote a greener environment. Managing Director of BSRDCL, Shirshat Kapil Ashok, expressed satisfaction with the mission’s outcomes and assured full administrative support for the timely initiation of these critical infrastructure projects.