Patna: The construction of the India-Nepal Border Road in Bihar has entered its final stage, with officials stating that the entire project is expected to be completed by June. The road project, stretching across 554 kilometres, passes through seven border districts of the state and is expected to improve transport connectivity as well as strengthen border surveillance.
According to officials associated with the project, construction work on 538 kilometres has already been completed. Work is currently underway on the remaining 16-kilometre stretch.
The road passes through West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria and Kishanganj districts, covering key areas along the India-Nepal border.
Pending Work in Two Districts
Officials said that 11 kilometres of construction work remains pending in East Champaran district, while another 5-kilometre stretch is yet to be completed in Kishanganj district.
Authorities have accelerated work on these sections to meet the June deadline.
Investment by Centre and State
The project has been funded jointly by the Central and Bihar governments. Officials said the Government of India has spent nearly Rs 4,000 crore on the road construction work.
The Bihar government has spent more than Rs 2,800 crore, including expenses related to land acquisition. The entire cost of land acquisition was borne by the state government.
Connectivity Across Three States
The road is expected to improve connectivity not only within Bihar but also with neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Officials said the corridor will support smoother inter-state movement and facilitate trade and transport activity in border regions.
The road is being constructed with a width of seven metres. Officials said the India-Nepal border in Bihar spans around 650 kilometres, of which 554 kilometres are being developed under this project. The remaining stretch is already connected through an existing National Highway network.
Border Security to Receive Boost
Officials said the improved road infrastructure will help security agencies strengthen patrolling and monitoring activities along the border.
The road is expected to improve emergency response time and facilitate easier movement of security personnel in sensitive border areas.
Bailey Bridge Work at Vikramshila Setu Progresses
Meanwhile, the Road Construction Department has announced that pedestrians and light vehicles may soon be allowed limited access on the under-construction Bailey bridge near the damaged portion of the Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur.
Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal reviewed the ongoing repair and bridge construction work on Wednesday.
Officials from the Border Roads Organisation informed the department that three Bailey bridges are being constructed at the site. One bridge has already been completed, while work on the remaining two bridges is expected to be finished by June 5.
Limited Access Planned Initially
Officials said the Bailey bridge will initially be opened only for pedestrians and light vehicles in the first phase.
The temporary arrangement is expected to provide relief to residents of Bhagalpur and nearby districts who have been facing difficulties in daily travel following damage to sections of the Vikramshila Setu.
