Patna: The Centre has approved the four-laning of the Khagaria–Purnea section of National Highways 31 and 231 in Bihar at an estimated cost of Rs 3,936.05 crore, paving the way for a major upgrade in road connectivity across the Seemanchal and Kosi regions.
The project includes the development of a 143.529-km four-lane highway and a 6.72-km Greenfield bypass between Purnea and Dagarua. The new bypass is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion within Purnea city and improve travel efficiency along one of eastern Bihar’s key transport corridors.
Once completed, travel time between Khagaria and Purnea is expected to come down from around 3.5 hours to nearly two hours.
Project Cleared by Cabinet Committee
The project has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Officials said the highway will be developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, with toll-based operations to support long-term maintenance and infrastructure management.
The upgraded corridor is expected to benefit residents and businesses in Purnea, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Katihar districts by improving road quality and reducing delays caused by congestion, poor road conditions and sharp curves.
Faster Travel, Lower Fuel Costs
The four-lane upgrade is expected to improve average vehicle speeds, enhance road safety and reduce fuel consumption.
Officials said better road infrastructure would also lower vehicle maintenance costs while ensuring smoother movement of passenger and commercial traffic across the region.
The highway corridor will connect five PM Gati Shakti economic hubs, including textile clusters, a Mega Food Park and a Seafood Park, strengthening industrial and logistics connectivity.
Direct Links to Rail, Airport and Logistics Hubs
The project will provide direct connectivity to 11 logistics centres, four major railway stations and the proposed Purnea Airport.
In addition, the corridor will be linked with four National Highways and two State Highways, creating an integrated transport network for eastern Bihar and improving the movement of goods across the region.
Officials believe the improved connectivity could support regional trade and attract new investment opportunities in logistics, manufacturing and allied sectors.
Seemanchal, Kosi Regions to Gain Connectivity Boost
The highway will be linked with NH-27 and NH-107 in Purnea, improving access between the Seemanchal and Kosi regions and strengthening connectivity with northeastern states.
The corridor is also expected to integrate with future transport projects, including the proposed Purnea–Patna Greenfield Expressway and the Patna–Ranchi route, creating seamless road connectivity across Bihar.
The improved network will offer easier access to Purnea Airport for travellers from Khagaria and areas near the Nepal border, further enhancing regional mobility and economic integration.
