Patna: Bihar Road Construction Department on Thursday reviewed the progress of National Highway projects under construction across the state, with several major road and bridge projects reported to be in the final stages of execution.
The review meeting, chaired by Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal, examined the physical and financial progress of projects across various National Highway divisions. Officials also discussed pending issues related to land acquisition, forest clearances, utility shifting and compensation that could affect project timelines.
Pal directed officials to accelerate construction work and resolve remaining bottlenecks to ensure projects are completed within the scheduled timeframe.
Several Projects Nearing Completion
According to the department, multiple National Highway projects have reached advanced stages of construction.
Among them are the 42.618-km NH-122B Package-2, the 45-km NH-319A project in Aurangabad division, the 47.815-km Bhagalpur–Kahalgaon–Mirzachowki stretch on NH-80, and the 1.5-km Jaynagar bypass road overbridge on NH-104, all of which are nearing completion.
The department also reviewed progress on the 29.730-km Hajipur–Mahnar–Mohiuddinnagar–Bachhwara section of NH-122B, the 4.80-km Jandaha Bypass on NH-322, the 3.66-km Ekangarsarai road overbridge on NH-110, and the 6.75-km four-lane Gaya Bypass on NH-120.
Construction Advances Across Districts
Officials informed the meeting that work has commenced on several new projects, including the 20.915-km Chausa–Buxar Bypass on NH-319A, the 4.322-km UP Border–Mairwa section on NH-727A, the 23.945-km Amdabad–Manihari stretch on NH-131A, and the 1.64-km Muktapur–Kishanpur road overbridge on NH-322, where piling work is underway.
The department also reviewed construction of the 370-metre RCC bridge over the Sukhaniya River on NH-133E in Banka, the 1.75-km NH-28B road overbridge in Motihari, the 39.50-km Ramnagar–Rosera section on NH-527E, the 1.212-km Gaushala road overbridge on NH-131A in Purnia, and the 1.58-km Madhepura road overbridge on NH-327E, all of which are under construction.
Meanwhile, more than half of the work has been completed on the 7.155-km Chhapra–Manjhi four-lane bypass and the 5.529-km Bhargama–Sukaila Turn and Raniganj Bypass on NH-327E. The 2.056-km Budhi Gandak bridge and four-laning of NH-322 in Samastipur remains in its initial stage.
Focus on Pending Clearances
During the meeting, Pal instructed Executive Engineers and other officials to give priority to resolving issues related to land acquisition, compensation payments, forest clearances and utility shifting.
He warned that negligence at any level would invite strict action and directed officials to improve coordination with other departments to remove obstacles delaying project implementation.
Online Portal Planned
The Secretary also instructed departmental officials to develop an online portal to improve coordination among departments involved in highway construction.
According to the department, the initiative is intended to streamline project monitoring and help ensure all National Highway projects are completed on schedule, improving road safety and connectivity across Bihar.
