Gaya: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday (Nov 21) declared that the quality of national highways (NH) network in Bihar will become at par with that of the United States by 2029.
He made this assertion at a function in Bodh Gaya where he discussed ongoing and future road infrastructure projects in the state. He reassured that the BJP-led NDA government, aiming to complete 15 years in power, will continue these development efforts.
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Underlining the cultural significance of Bodh Gaya, Gadkari said that the impact of new projects worth ₹3,700 crore, which he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of, would drive rapid regional development and enhance Bihar’s connectivity.
“The state’s road network has seen great improvement in the last few years. “I promise that after the current five-year term, when we will be completing 15 years in power, the network of Bihar will be on par with that of America,” he added.
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He assured the public that financial resources are not a constraint, adding: “There is no shortage of money; there is only a shortage of officers and leaders who work honestly. We do what we say – we are not among the leaders who lie.”
Addressing a gathering at the Mahabodhi Convention Center during the 22nd session of the National Economic Council organised by Magadh University, Gadkari emphasised the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in Bihar.
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Following the inaugural session, Gadkari visited a pandal near the main gate of Magadh University, where he inaugurated a program organised by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) by lighting a ceremonial lamp.
The MoRTH minister laid the foundation stones for six National Highway (NH) projects including part 3 of the Rajauli-Bakhtiyarpur 4-lane highway, in Bihar from Bodh Gaya, with a combined investment of ₹3,700 crore. These projects aim to improve connectivity and prioritise road construction in the state.
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Gadkari emphasised that by the completion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, road infrastructure projects worth ₹5 lakh crore will have been completed in Bihar, transforming the state’s economic and connectivity landscape.
Responding to the demand raised by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Gadkari announced the construction of a four-lane road from Mokama to Munger, including its connection to the religious site Ashok Dham. This 90 km stretch is estimated to cost ₹5,100 crore.
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Near Bettiah in West Champaran, Gadkari laid the foundation stone for a ₹2,500 crore road project. Additionally, he approved an 11 km four-lane bridge with a 19 km approach road over the Gandak River, signifying further infrastructure development.
