New Delhi/ Patna: Bihar is set to witness a significant transformation in its transport and irrigation infrastructure following the approval of two key projects by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The Patna-Ara-Sasaram Corridor and the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project are expected to improve regional connectivity and boost agricultural productivity across multiple districts.
Patna-Ara-Sasaram Corridor: Smoother Connectivity Ahead
A long-awaited infrastructure upgrade is finally on the horizon for commuters in Bihar. The CCEA has sanctioned the construction of the 120.10-km, four-lane Patna-Ara-Sasaram corridor (NH-119A) under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), with a capital outlay of Rs 3,712.40 crore.
Currently, the high-traffic route relies on state highways, causing congestion and extending travel times between these key cities to three to four hours. The new corridor, incorporating both greenfield and brownfield developments, aims to streamline connectivity and eliminate major traffic bottlenecks.
Crucially, this project will serve as a direct link to the upcoming Bihta Airport, besides improving access to Sasaram and key railway stations. It is also expected to generate 48 lakh man-days of employment, offering a major economic stimulus for the region.
Once operational, the corridor will enhance inter-state connectivity, linking Bihar’s capital with major urban centres such as Lucknow, Ranchi, and Varanasi, in line with the government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Kosi-Mechi Link Project: Strengthening Bihar’s Irrigation Network
In another significant decision, the CCEA has approved the inclusion of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). With an estimated cost of Rs 6,282.32 crore, the project will receive central funding of Rs 3,652.56 crore and is scheduled for completion by March 2029.
This project is designed to divert surplus water from the Kosi River to the Mahananda basin, creating an additional irrigation potential of 2.10 lakh hectares across four districts—Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar. It will involve the remodelling of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC), ensuring enhanced water distribution to existing farmlands and better irrigation for Kharif crops.
By strengthening irrigation infrastructure, the initiative is expected to boost agricultural productivity, support farmers in drought-prone areas, and reinforce Bihar’s position as a key agricultural hub.
