Patna: Bihar is set to gain another key infrastructure boost, with the construction of the NH-139W four-lane highway progressing rapidly under the Centre’s flagship Bharatmala project. The new highway will directly benefit residents across six districts, while offering faster connectivity between Bettiah and Uttar Pradesh.
Construction of the 171.29-kilometre highway—estimated to cost Rs 8,660.70 crore—is currently 75 per cent complete along a 38-kilometre stretch passing through Vaishali district, officials said. The project is being executed under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Once completed, the new four-lane corridor will connect the districts of Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Patna, East Champaran and West Champaran. The highway is being built in five phases: a 38.81 km section from Bakarpur to Manikpur in Saran district, followed by segments from Manikpur to Sahebganj (44.65 km), Sahebganj to Areraj (38.36 km), and Areraj to Bettiah (40.58 km). Additionally, a 4.5-km bridge is under construction from Digha to Bakarpur.
The improved road network is expected to dramatically reduce travel times. The distance between Bettiah and Patna will be shortened by around 47 km, making it possible to cover the route in just two to three hours. This is also expected to ease congestion on the busy JP Setu bridge.
The highway is projected to provide a vital alternative route for passengers travelling between North Bihar, Seemanchal and Uttar Pradesh. In addition to enhancing passenger convenience, it is likely to spur economic growth by facilitating industrial and commercial activity across the region.
