Patna: Bihar is set to get two new four-lane highways spanning 226 km, with a combined investment of Rs 7,527 crore, aimed at improving road connectivity to the Nepal border and strengthening links with Purnia and other parts of northeastern Bihar.
The two projects are the 83-km Muzaffarpur-Sonbarsa highway, estimated to cost Rs 3,591 crore, and the 144-km Khagaria-Purnia highway, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,936 crore. Land acquisition for both projects is almost complete, and tenders have been submitted. Agencies for the projects are expected to be selected in October 2026.
Once completed, the highways are expected to reduce travel time significantly. The journey from Khagaria to Purnia, which currently takes around 3.5 to four hours, is expected to take 1.5 to two hours. Similarly, the Muzaffarpur-Sonbarsa highway is expected to improve access to Sitamarhi and the Nepal border.
Khagaria-Purnia Four-Lane Highway to Cut Travel Time
The 144-km Khagaria-Purnia highway will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 3,936 crore. The project is expected to improve connectivity across Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Katihar and Purnia districts.
A 6.7-km greenfield bypass will be constructed in Purnia to ease traffic congestion within the city and reduce the movement of through-traffic through urban areas.
The highway will also connect with five Gati Shakti nodes and 11 logistics nodes. At Dagarua, it will link with the six-lane Patna-Purnia Greenfield Expressway, improving connectivity for freight movement and long-distance travel.
The improved road network is expected to benefit agricultural producers by making it easier to transport goods to markets. Khagaria’s bananas and Purnia’s makhana (fox nuts) are among the products that could benefit from faster transportation.
Muzaffarpur-Sonbarsa Highway to Improve Nepal Border Connectivity
The 83-km Muzaffarpur-Sonbarsa four-lane highway will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 3,591 crore. The route is expected to improve connectivity between Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Sonbarsa near the Nepal border.
According to the project details, travel from Muzaffarpur to Sitamarhi could take around 40 minutes, while reaching Sonbarsa near the Nepal border could take approximately 90 minutes after the highway becomes operational.
The highway is planned to be designed for speeds of up to 100 kmph. The project will include a 340-metre-long bridge over the Bagmati River, seven major bridges and three railway overbridges (ROBs).
The highway will also connect with the Ram Janaki Marg, improving road access for pilgrims travelling between religious destinations such as Ayodhya and Janakpur.
Together, the two highway projects are expected to improve regional connectivity, facilitate agricultural transportation and strengthen links between northern Bihar, the Nepal border and key transport corridors in the state.
