Patna: In a major boost to infrastructure and regional connectivity, the JP Ganga Path is set to be extended from Digha to Koilwar via Sherpur, covering a total stretch of 35.65 km. This ambitious project will feature 18 km of elevated road and 17.65 km of at-grade road, ultimately connecting to the Son River bridge near Koilwar.
The project, estimated to cost ₹5,500 crore, will be the first in Bihar to be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Under this model, 60% of the cost (₹3,300 crore) will be borne by the executing agency, while the remaining 40% (₹2,200 crore) will be funded by the state government.
First Use of HAM Model in Bihar
Announcing the project, Bihar Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin stated that HAM will now be used for several upcoming expressways, bridges, and roads. The move aims to reduce the financial burden on the state and allow the government to reinvest the savings into other infrastructure projects.
“The agency that technically qualifies and proposes the lowest project cost will be awarded the work,” said Naveen.
HAM is a public-private partnership (PPP) model in which the government pays only 40% of the project cost during the 4-year construction phase, while the agency invests the remaining 60%. After the road becomes operational, the government repays the agency’s investment with interest over 15 years, along with separate funds for operation and maintenance.
Key Benefits and Connectivity
The extension of JP Ganga Path is expected to drastically improve travel time and regional linkage:
- Travel time from Patna to Buxar will reduce significantly, with vehicles able to travel at 100–120 km/h.
- Danapur and Shahpur markets will be directly connected via the new Digha-Sherpur-Koilwar Ganga Path.
- The route will ease travel to Delhi via the Purvanchal Expressway from Buxar.
- Improved access to Ballia, Ghazipur, Mau, Azamgarh, Deoria, and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The project will also create a comprehensive connectivity corridor by linking six key bridges: Digha Bridge, Sherpur-Dighwara Bridge, Koilwar Bridge, Ara-Chhapra Bridge, Janeshwar Mishra Bridge, and Buxar Bridge.
Once completed, the Digha-Koilwar extension is expected to redefine inter-state connectivity, boost local economies, and reduce congestion in Patna and surrounding areas.
