Patna: Bihar is preparing for a major improvement in its road network after the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved funding for the construction of five state highways. The Bihar State Road Development Corporation, under the Road Construction Department, had sent the Price Bid Evaluation report of these projects to the ADB. After reviewing the proposal, the bank gave its approval, clearing the way for construction to begin. With this decision, the Bihar government will receive financial support of about US$200 million, which is nearly Rs 2,900 crore.
After getting the approval, the Road Construction Department allowed the selected construction companies to start work on the highways. The total length of these five roads is around 225 kilometres. Officials said the funding from the ADB will be released step by step, depending on the progress of the construction work. Before reaching this stage, the state government had already taken several steps, including preparing detailed project reports, completing land acquisition and issuing tenders, to ensure that work could begin smoothly.
Most of the roads included in this plan are currently single-lane and often crowded, causing traffic delays and accidents. Once construction starts, these roads will be widened to at least two lanes. In areas where traffic is heavier, the width may be increased further in the future. The projects are expected to be completed within two years, and once finished, they are likely to make travel safer and faster for people living in many districts of the state.
The new highways will directly benefit districts such as Bhojpur, Munger, Banka, Nawada, Gaya, Nalanda, Saran and Muzaffarpur. Better roads will help people reach schools, hospitals and markets more easily, while also supporting trade and local businesses. Improved connectivity is also expected to boost development in rural and semi-urban areas.
Some of the major projects include the Banganga–Jethian–Gahlour–Bhindas road in Gaya district, which is over 41 km long and will cost more than Rs 361 crore. The Asarganj–Shambhuganj–Inglish Mod–Punsia–Dhoraiya road in Munger and Banka districts will be the longest, covering over 72 km at a cost of about Rs 701 crore. Other important roads include the Ara–Ekauna–Khaira–Sahar road in Bhojpur, the Chapra–Manjhi–Darauli–Guthni road in Saran and Siwan, and the Hathauri–Atrar–Babhangama–Aurai road with a high-level bridge in Muzaffarpur. Together, these projects are expected to bring long-term benefits to Bihar’s people and economy.
