Patna : Bihar is preparing for a major expansion of its road network, with four large infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 49,751 crore expected to improve connectivity across the state and strengthen links with neighbouring regions.
The proposed projects include the Patna-Purnia four-lane Greenfield Expressway, the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata six-lane Greenfield Highway, an elevated road connecting key stretches of Patna and a two-lane bridge over the Gandak river.
According to the information shared by the state government, all four projects have received approval from the Public-Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) and are awaiting final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
1. Patna-Purnia Expressway: Rs 31,987 crore project
The proposed four-lane Patna-Purnia Greenfield Expressway is the largest of the four projects, with an estimated cost of Rs 31,987 crore.
The project is expected to improve road connectivity between the state capital and the Seemanchal region, making travel between Patna and Purnia easier. It could also strengthen road access for several towns and economic centres along the route.
2. Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Highway: Rs 7,331 crore
Another major project is the six-lane Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Greenfield Highway, estimated to cost Rs 7,331 crore.
The highway is expected to improve connectivity between Varanasi, Jharkhand and Kolkata through Bihar, strengthening links between eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The proposed highway will provide an additional high-capacity road corridor for passenger and commercial traffic.
3. Patna Elevated Road: Rs 8,455 crore proposal
Patna is also set to benefit from a proposed six-lane elevated road and service road project covering the Saristabad-Didarganj and Anisabad-Didarganj stretches.
Estimated at Rs 8,455 crore, the project aims to ease traffic pressure across busy parts of the capital and improve vehicle movement.
The elevated corridor is expected to reduce congestion on key routes and provide smoother connectivity for commuters.
4. Gandak Bridge to improve Bihar-UP connectivity
The fourth project involves the construction of a two-lane bridge over the Gandak river, along with approach roads, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,977 crore.
The proposed project will connect Manua Pul in Bettiah with Tiwari Patti in Sewrahi, Uttar Pradesh.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to improve road connectivity between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, benefiting movement in border areas and supporting local trade.
Bihar seeks early approval for Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway
During a meeting with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary sought the early declaration of the Bihar section of the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway as a National Expressway.
The state government said it was extending support to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for land-related work on the project.
The revised route of the Raxaul-Haldia Expressway was also discussed. The land acquisition process has begun following the route revision, and the state has requested its early notification.
Raxaul-Haldia corridor to strengthen trade connectivity
The proposed Raxaul-Haldia Expressway is considered important for Bihar’s regional and commercial connectivity.
The corridor is expected to improve road access to Haldia Port and strengthen trade links with Nepal through Raxaul. Better connectivity could also support logistics and movement of goods across the region.
Four-laning of Muzaffarpur-Barauni highway also on agenda
The Chief Minister also called for faster progress on the four-laning of National Highway 122 between Muzaffarpur and Barauni. The NHAI has reportedly prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the stretch.
Discussions also covered the maintenance and development of 2,329 kilometres of national highways in Bihar.
The state Road Construction Department has sent DPRs for six national highway projects, estimated to cost Rs 13,015 crore, to the Centre. These include the approach road to Vikramshila Bridge and the four-laning of the Mashrakh-Chakia-Bhitthamore road.
Final Union Cabinet approval awaited
The four major projects, with a combined estimated cost of around Rs 49,751 crore, have cleared the PPPAC stage. They now await final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has requested Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite the approval process. Further steps towards implementation and construction can proceed after the required final clearance.
