Patna: The Indian government has sanctioned Rs 225.66 crore to widen and strengthen a 23.95-kilometre stretch of National Highway-322, connecting Basudevpur in Samastipur district to Dilahi in Darbhanga. The project, expected to be completed by 2027 with a subsequent five-year maintenance period, aims to improve regional connectivity and road safety in northern Bihar.
Bihar’s Roads and Highways Minister, Nitin Nabin, expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, describing the project as “a major relief for the people of Samastipur and Darbhanga.” He added that the upgrade would ease traffic congestion, enhance trade, and stimulate economic development in the region, with the state government committed to ensuring quality and timely implementation.
The project includes the retention of five existing major bridges and the construction of a new 150-metre bridge at Jatmalkpur. One minor bridge will be retained, while three new minor bridges are planned at Jatmalkpur (25 m), Bishnupur (60 m), and Dilahi (25 m). Additionally, 27 box culverts—19 existing and eight new—will be constructed, each measuring 2×2 metres.
Around 4.2 kilometres of road realignment is planned near Gopalpur, Kalyanpur, Jatmalkpur, and Bishnupur Chowk to improve safety at hazardous curves. The project also prioritises bus lanes, crash barriers, traffic signage, and urban junction improvements. Land acquisition will be restricted to areas requiring geometric improvements.
Officials said the upgraded highway will reduce travel time between Samastipur and Darbhanga, support local industries, create employment opportunities, and further the state’s goal of connecting remote areas to Patna within four hours.
