Muzaffarpur/Patna : Traffic congestion in Muzaffarpur could ease significantly as a major ₹5,000-crore road infrastructure project involving the Muzaffarpur-Barauni four-lane highway and a 17-km ring road moves closer to implementation.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bihar government to take the project forward. Once the state government grants the clearance, the proposal will be sent to the Centre for final approval.
The two road components are being developed as part of a single project. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been prepared.
₹3,200 crore for highway, ₹1,800 crore for ring road
The estimated cost of the project is around ₹5,000 crore. Of this, approximately ₹3,200 crore has been earmarked for the Muzaffarpur-Barauni four-lane highway, while around ₹1,800 crore will be spent on the proposed 17-km ring road.
The ring road is expected to play a key role in reducing the movement of heavy and through-traffic within Muzaffarpur city.
Ring road to connect Madhaul and Bakhri
The proposed ring road will stretch for around 17 kilometres from Madhaul to Bakhri.
Under the planned traffic arrangement, vehicles coming from Motihari will be able to reach the Madhaul four-lane highway through the Sadatpur bypass without entering the city. They will then be able to continue towards Hajipur.
Similarly, vehicles travelling from Darbhanga and Samastipur will be able to bypass central Muzaffarpur by using the ring road through Bakhri and Dighra to connect with the Hajipur-bound National Highway.
Ramdayalu Chowk expected to see traffic relief
One of the major expected benefits of the ring road is a reduction in congestion at Ramdayalu Chowk and other busy stretches of Muzaffarpur.
At present, a substantial amount of traffic entering the city from outside passes through central areas, adding to congestion. Once the ring road becomes operational, through-traffic will have an alternative route around the city.
This could reduce pressure on existing roads and make daily commuting easier for local residents.
Ramdayalu Railway Overbridge part of the plan
The Ramdayalu Railway Overbridge (ROB) is another important component associated with the project.
After the Centre grants approval, construction of the ROB is expected to be entrusted to the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation. A tender for the bridge had earlier been issued but was subsequently halted due to technical reasons.
With the larger project moving towards approval, the tendering process for the ROB is expected to resume.
State NOC next step
The immediate requirement is the NOC from the Bihar government. After receiving the state’s clearance, NHAI will forward the proposal to the central government for final sanction.
If approved and implemented as planned, the project could significantly alter Muzaffarpur’s traffic movement by providing an outer route for long-distance and heavy vehicles while improving connectivity towards Barauni, Hajipur, Darbhanga, Samastipur and Motihari.
