Patna: The Bihar government is set to begin construction on a four-lane highway connecting Siwan, Saran and Sitamarhi, a project estimated to cost over Rs 5,000 crore. The tender process for the massive infrastructure initiative is already underway.
The 146-kilometre Mashrakh-Chakia-Shivhar-Sitamarhi-Bhitha Mod stretch, part of the Ram-Janaki corridor along National Highways 227A and 227, will see work commence next year. The road’s alignment has been approved, and the Theme Engineering Consultant has been tasked with preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Land acquisition for the project is expected to start shortly, with an agency selected through tendering for the construction work.
The highway will form a key part of the wider 240-kilometre Ram-Janaki route, running from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh to Sitamarhi in Bihar. Within Bihar, the road will begin at Mehrauna Ghat near the state border and pass through Siwan, Saran, East Champaran, Shivhar and Sitamarhi districts, ultimately reaching Bhitha Mod. Authorities say the project will significantly improve access to sites associated with Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, facilitating easier travel for devotees and enhancing the region’s tourism potential.
Tenders have already been awarded for the first phases of construction. The 41-kilometre Mehrauna-Siwan stretch will cost approximately Rs 1,254 crore, while the 53-kilometre Siwan-Mashrakh section has been allocated around Rs 1,351 crore.
The alignment for the remaining sections—from Mashrakh to Chakia and Shivhar to Sitamarhi Bhitha Mod—has been finalised and approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The DPR is currently in preparation. Construction from Mashrakh to Chakia, covering 45 kilometres, is expected to cost around Rs 1,450 crore, while the 101-kilometre Chakia to Sitamarhi Bhitha Mod stretch is estimated at Rs 2,100 crore.
Officials hope the project will not only strengthen road connectivity in northern Bihar but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and religious tourism along this historic corridor.
