Patna:The long-pending Patna–Ara–Sasaram National Highway project in Bihar is finally set to move ahead, with construction scheduled to begin on May 15. Officials have confirmed that the work will be carried out in phases, starting with the stretch between Suara and Garhani. The second phase, covering the Garhani to Sadisopur section, is planned to begin in October this year.
This development comes after a detailed review meeting on major road projects in the state, attended by officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The meeting focused on speeding up delayed infrastructure work and resolving issues that have held back progress for several projects across Bihar.
Along with the Patna–Ara–Sasaram highway, work orders have also been issued for other important road projects. These include the Mokama–Munger Greenfield four-lane road and the Patna Ring Road section between Kanhauli and Sherpur. Officials said these projects are expected to improve road connectivity and ease traffic pressure in and around Patna and nearby regions.
During the review, officials examined six national highway projects in Bihar covering about 218 km, with an estimated cost of Rs 8,134 crore. Many of these works have been delayed mainly due to problems in land acquisition and delays in getting required approvals. Authorities have been asked to speed up these processes so that construction can move forward without further delay.
The meeting also reviewed 12 other highway projects spanning around 360 km, worth approximately Rs 11,222 crore. Although these projects have already been approved, work orders are still pending. In addition, three more delayed highway projects were also discussed to find solutions for restarting stalled work.
Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal has directed officials from various departments and agencies to strictly follow standard procedures during construction work. He also instructed them to speed up land acquisition and ensure better coordination between departments. In Patna, he suggested using de-silted material for ongoing road and development projects, including the Comprehensive Garden stretch, the Digha to Sabhyata Dwar road, and the Bhadra Ghat to Didarganj section.
