Bihar to Build 225 km of Roads Under Asian Development Bank-Funded Projects
Chirag Gupta
Patna: Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDC) will execute five road projects under the BSHP-IV-AF phase, funded by the Asian Development Bank. The total length of these roads will be 225 km, with an estimated project cost of Rs 2900 crore, of which Rs 1860 crore will be spent on civil works and Rs 1100 crore on land acquisition and forest land diversion.
The approved routes include the Banganga- Jethian- Gehlor- Bindus (41.256 km), Asarganj- Dhoraiya road (58.473 km), Chhapra- Manjhi- Darouli- Guthni road (72.183 km), Ara- Ekouna- Khaira- Sahar road (32.263 km), and a high-level bridge on the Hathaudi- Atrar- Banganga- Aurai route (21.300 km). The state government has given administrative clearance, and tenders for the projects will be invited internationally through Open Competitive Bidding.
A high-level Asian Development Bank delegation, including Team Leader Edan Luo, India’s representative Jagir Kumar, and gender expert Govind Devai, recently visited Bihar to discuss the tender process and inspect project sites. The delegation reviewed the Chhapra- Manjhi- Darouli- Guthni Road and Ara- Ekouna- Khaira-Sahar Road, engaging with local citizens to understand their needs. Suggestions for road safety measures, bus stands, and drainage facilities were received from residents.
The delegation emphasized improving the standard of living in affected areas, particularly for women’s groups. Residents expressed hope that the road projects would boost entrepreneurship and business opportunities, ultimately enhancing their incomes and overall living standards. The projects aim to strengthen and widen roads while aligning with Asian Development Bank’s guidelines for social and economic development.
