New Delhi/Patna: Bihar Road Construction Minister Kumar Shailendra met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Friday to press for the early approval of several key road and bridge infrastructure projects across the state.
During the meeting at Parliament House, the two leaders reviewed a range of pending proposals related to National Highways aimed at strengthening connectivity, improving road safety and accelerating economic development in Bihar.
According to the Road Construction Department, the Union Minister gave a positive assurance on the proposals and directed officials to expedite work on projects wherever feasible.
DPR to Be Prepared for Hajipur–Muzaffarpur Kanwariya Path
The Bihar government requested approval for a 6-metre-wide Kanwariya Path along NH-22 between Hajipur and Muzaffarpur.
Responding positively, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari directed officials to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) at the earliest.
The proposed route is expected to benefit lakhs of Kanwariya pilgrims who travel every year from Pahleja Ghat in Saran district to offer holy water at Baba Garib Nath Temple in Muzaffarpur during the Shravani and Bhado fairs.
Pontoon Bridge Proposed Near Vikramshila Setu
The Bihar government also sought immediate approval for constructing a temporary pontoon bridge parallel to the existing Vikramshila Setu on NH-131B.
The proposal aims to maintain uninterrupted traffic while the permanent bridge is reconstructed and the existing Bailey bridge is dismantled.
According to the state government, the temporary bridge would minimise disruption to passenger movement, trade, agriculture and emergency services.
Major NH Widening Projects Raised
The minister urged the Centre to expedite several important National Highway projects, including:
- Four-laning of NH-122 between Muzaffarpur and Barauni under the Bharatmala Programme.
- Construction of the Muzaffarpur Eastern Bypass to improve connectivity with the East-West Corridor (NH-27).
- Four-laning of NH-139 from Naubatpur to the Jharkhand border, including bypasses at Aurangabad, Obra and Amba, to address rising traffic and road accidents.
- Four-laning of NH-333 connecting Bariarpur, Kharagpur, Sangrampur and Jamui, with a request to expedite land acquisition and final project approval.
- Early clearance for the 116-km NH-333A project connecting Barbigha, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka and Panjwara under the Prime Minister’s Bihar Package.
Connectivity and Flood Relief Proposals
The Bihar government also requested the construction of an approach ramp linking villages in Hario Panchayat to the under-construction Bihpur–Phulaut Kosi Bridge.
Officials said the ramp would provide year-round connectivity to villages that remain isolated during floods.
The proposal is expected to improve access for residents of Govindpur-Mushahari and Kaharpur villages in Bhagalpur district.
Elevated Road Proposed Along Ganga in Hajipur
Another key proposal discussed was the construction of an elevated road along the northern bank of the Ganga from Paswan Chowk in Hajipur to Bidupur.
The state government said the elevated corridor would reduce displacement in densely populated areas while improving connectivity to the Kachchi Dargah–Bidupur six-lane bridge.
Push for New CRIF Projects
The Road Construction Minister also sought approval for fresh infrastructure projects under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) to upgrade damaged and strategically important roads across Bihar.
The proposals are aimed at improving rural and regional connectivity while supporting economic development.
Centre Gives Positive Assurance
According to the Road Construction Department, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured the Bihar government that all proposals would be examined seriously.
The department said Gadkari also expressed his willingness to visit Bihar to review several proposed project sites personally.
Road Construction Minister Kumar Shailendra said the proposed projects would strengthen Bihar’s transport network and contribute to faster social and economic development under the vision of Viksit Bharat and the state’s infrastructure expansion plans.
