Patna: Road Construction Minister Kumar Shailendra on Tuesday reviewed the progress of road and connectivity projects being implemented across north Bihar, south Bihar and the Seemanchal region.
The review meeting, held at the department’s headquarters, focused on project timelines, construction quality, bottlenecks in execution and measures to improve connectivity across districts.
Officials presented updates on ongoing road widening, strengthening and bypass projects aimed at improving traffic movement and reducing travel time.
Ashiana–Idgah road widening on track
During the meeting, officials informed the minister that the road widening and construction project from Ashiana More to Idgah is progressing and is expected to be completed within the current month.
Work on road construction and beautification around Bapu Tower near the Mithapur–Anisabad–Khagaul Road corridor is also under way, with completion targeted for October 2026.
The strengthening of the road passing through Bhagwat Milan Mandir Chowk is expected to be completed by June 30.
Officials said the Manikpur–Bithra–Senari road strengthening project has been substantially completed, with only road markings and signage installation remaining.
Progress reported on bypass and highway projects
The department also reviewed the ongoing expansion of the Rajgir Bypass Road, which will upgrade the corridor connecting NH-32 and Rajgir Sports Academy from two lanes to four lanes.
Construction of the Kochas Bypass on the Ara–Mohania road is progressing as per schedule, officials said.
North Bihar projects under review
Several connectivity projects in north Bihar were also reviewed during the meeting.
The Ekma–Masrakh road widening and strengthening project is under implementation and is targeted for completion by July 2027.
Officials reported that work on the Teghra–Mubarakpur road project, including a bridge component, is progressing. The project involves construction of a 6.7-km road and an RCC bridge, with completion expected by October 2026.
Seemanchal projects progressing
In Seemanchal, road widening and strengthening works covering nearly 99.5 km are under way in Araria district.
In Katihar, construction work on around 63.66 km of roads is in progress. Officials said earthwork and granular sub-base work on the Kurum Gaighatta–Balia Betona–Salmar road corridor have largely been completed.
The Fatehpur–Galgalia road project via Piltola, being developed under the India–Nepal border road programme, is in its final stages, according to the department.
Projects in Banka and Bhagalpur
In Banka district, construction of the 7.05-km Amarpur Bypass Road is continuing.
The department also reported that a provisional work order has been issued for a project aimed at linking the Bhagalpur–Hansdiha route (SH-19) with NH-80.
Focus on quality, clearances and timelines
The minister said the progress of most road, bridge and bypass projects was satisfactory and that the infrastructure works would support economic and social development in the regions concerned.
He directed officials to take action against contractors responsible for delays or negligence and emphasised strict monitoring of project quality.
The minister also stressed adherence to the department’s standard operating procedure for obtaining forest clearances and called for faster processing of tenders.
According to the department, the projects are intended to improve connectivity in remote areas of the state and reduce travel time. Divisional engineers have been instructed to ensure timely completion of works without compromising construction standards.
