Bhagalpur/Patna : Road connectivity between Bihar and Jharkhand is set for a major upgrade, with plans to develop a 67-km four-lane road from Bhagalpur to Bhaljor near the Jharkhand border at an estimated cost of Rs 1,720 crore.
The project will be executed in two phases and is expected to improve road capacity, ease travel for commuters and facilitate the movement of commercial vehicles between the two states.
Administrative preparations have gathered pace ahead of Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary’s proposed visit to Bhagalpur on October 9. According to the report, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajkumar inspected the Marchun ground in Sikandarpur panchayat on Sunday along with National Highway officials to review preparations for the proposed programme.
The Chief Minister’s visit and any foundation-stone ceremony are, however, awaiting official confirmation.
67-Km Road to Be Built in Two Phases
The four-lane road from Bhagalpur to Bhaljor will be developed in two stretches, according to National Highway Chief Engineer Sanjay Kumar Bharti.
The proposed project breakdown is as follows:
- Phase 1: Bhagalpur to Khadhara — estimated cost of Rs 857 crore.
- Phase 2: Khadhara to Bhaljor on the Jharkhand border — estimated cost of Rs 863 crore.
The combined estimated expenditure for the two phases is Rs 1,720 crore.
The report states that the tender process for both phases has been completed. The project’s subsequent progress will depend on the next stages of implementation.
Bhagalpur and Banka Expected to Benefit
The road is expected to directly benefit residents and commuters in Bhagalpur and Banka districts, as the route connects Bhagalpur with the Jharkhand border through Banka.
A wider four-lane carriageway could make journeys more convenient for local residents, daily commuters and commercial vehicle operators. It may also improve access to markets and strengthen links between towns and business centres along the route.
The project is expected to benefit traffic moving in both directions, including passengers and goods vehicles travelling between Bihar and Jharkhand.
However, an official estimate of the total number of beneficiaries has not been provided in the available information.
Travel Between Bihar and Jharkhand May Become Easier
The Bhagalpur–Hansdiha route is an important road link between the two states. Upgrading it to four lanes is expected to increase traffic-handling capacity and help organise vehicle movement more efficiently.
Improved road infrastructure could also support trade, local businesses and the transportation of goods between Bhagalpur, Banka and neighbouring areas of Jharkhand.
The extent of any reduction in travel time has not yet been officially specified.
Arrangements Planned for Gathering of 10,000 People
Preparations are also underway at Marchun ground in Sikandarpur panchayat in view of the Chief Minister’s proposed visit.
According to the report, a large hangar is planned at the venue to accommodate approximately 10,000 people.
The administration is focusing on arrangements for security, traffic management, drinking water, electricity and other essential facilities. SDM Rajkumar has reportedly issued instructions to officials involved in the preparations.
Project Awaits Further Implementation Steps
With the tender process for both stretches reportedly complete, attention is now on the next stages of the Bhagalpur–Hansdiha four-lane project.
The proposed road upgrade is expected to strengthen Bihar–Jharkhand connectivity and improve transport infrastructure in Bhagalpur and Banka. Further details about the construction schedule, completion timeline and the Chief Minister’s proposed foundation-stone ceremony remain subject to official announcements.
