Patna: The long-awaited highway projects in Bihar are likely to take shape with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently floating tenders to engage reputed firms for building 165 km stretch of four-lane at the cost of ₹4615 crore.
The roads to be constructed are Manikpur-Sahebganj (NH-139W), Sahebganj-Areraj (NH-139W), Bahadurganj-Kishanganj, Patna-Ara-Sasaram (NH-119A) and Ramnagar-Kacchi Dargah (NH-119D). Bahadurganj-Kishanganj stretch of four-lane would provide direct connectivity between NH-27 and 327E.
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A majority of road projects were sanctioned by the Centre three-four years ago. Manikpur-Sahebganj-Areraj NH project was approved by the Central government in 2021. Deputy chief minister and road construction department minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said that this tenders has been issued in the series of projects worth more than ₹6,000 crore received in addition to the package announced in the budget.
“These projects will not only help in strengthening the traffic system in the state but will also prove helpful in reaching Patna within five hours from the remote areas of the state,” said Sinha, adding that development of Manikpur-Areraj and Sahebganj-Areraj four-lane roads will establish easy connectivity to tourist places of Buddhist circuit like Vaishali and Kesaria.
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The Manikpur-Areraj NH will also serve as an easier route to go to Bettiah from Patna. The development of Bahadurganj-Kishanganj four-lane will ensure access to Kishanganj without going to West Bengal. At the same time, under Patna-Ara-Sasaram package-2, a four-lane will be constructed on a new route from Sadisopur located on Patna Ring Road to Ara. A new bridge will also be constructed between Bindol-Koshihan on the Son River, about 10 km upstream from the bridge built near Koilwar, said an NHAI official
The construction of Ramnagar-Kacchi Dargah six-lane will complete the southern part of Patna ring road, due to which vehicles coming from Bihta will be able to come and go without entering Patna city.
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A senior officer of the NHAI said that they would acquire the required proportion of land to build these roads and an expenditure of ₹1,489 crore has been allocated for the purpose. “The tender will be executed and construction work will be started in the next two months,” said the NHAI officer.
