Patna: In a major boost to Bihar’s road infrastructure, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the alignment for two key highway projects — the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway and the four-laning of the Mashrakh–Chakia–Bhittha Mod stretch along the Ram Janaki Marg. These developments are expected to significantly improve connectivity across north Bihar and cut travel time to Patna to just three hours from various districts.
₹27,522 Crore Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway Gets Green Light
The 525.6 km Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway, a six-lane high-speed corridor, will see 417 km of its length constructed in Bihar at an estimated cost of ₹27,522 crore. The expressway, designed for a top speed of 120 kmph, will pass through eight districts: West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj.
A total of 87.5% of the land to be acquired for this project is agricultural. The expressway will include 42 major bridges and 151 minor bridges, according to the state’s Road Construction Department.
Ram Janaki Marg to Get Four-Lane Upgrade
The Centre has also cleared the alignment for widening the 42 km stretch of the Ram Janaki Marg — from Mashrakh to Chakia and onwards to Bhittha Mod near the India–Nepal border — into a four-lane highway. This is part of a broader 108 km greenfield road project aimed at enhancing regional access and easing movement to the border areas.
The new route will include bypasses at Dumrasan, Kesaria, Chakia, Madhuban, Naya Gaon, Sheohar, Bathnaha, Kumhan, and Sursand, significantly improving traffic flow and local connectivity.
Minister Thanks Centre, Highlights Development Goals
State Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin welcomed the Centre’s approval and expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. “These road projects are crucial for Bihar’s development. Once completed, they will drastically reduce travel time and support the goal of reaching Patna within three hours from various parts of the state,” Nabin said.
He also noted that the improved road network would spur economic activity, especially in the largely agrarian and border districts of north Bihar.
