Patna: Bihar has crossed a significant milestone in its road infrastructure development, with over 3,000 kilometres of national highways now four-laned, marking a major leap in connectivity across the state.
Road Construction Minister Dilip Jaiswal highlighted this achievement while outlining the department’s progress and future plans. In his recent statements during assembly discussions and media interactions, the minister emphasized the rapid pace of four-laning works, noting that targeted stretches in multiple districts have seen accelerated completion.
Also Read: MoRTH approves alignment of a greenfield expressway in Bihar
He pointed out that in 37 districts, intensive efforts have resulted in substantial upgrades, including 16 key sections opened in a focused 22-day drive and additional progress covering hundreds of kilometres in phases. Jaiswal stressed that such expansions are part of a broader strategy to eliminate bottlenecks on high-traffic routes and ensure smoother travel for commuters and goods movement.
The four-laning push has involved completing around 3,617 km in various stages, with 3,000 km specifically handed over for public use under national highway projects. Recent highlights include rapid advancements in select districts where 5 major packages progressed swiftly, alongside stretches totaling 74.04 km and related works covering 424 km. Officials have also referenced detailed figures showing 3617 km achieved in phases, 7 sections in one area, and 2 key projects under implementation, contributing to the overall 3000+ km milestone.
Also Read: Centre pledges swift funds for Bihar’s ₹76,000 Cr rural road project
This comes amid Bihar’s ongoing transformation in the road sector, where the state government, in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has prioritized widening under schemes like Bharatmala Pariyojana. Bihar’s national highway network spans about 6,392 km, and the shift from single- and two-lane roads to four-laned corridors has been a key focus to reduce travel times, cut accident risks, and support economic activity in districts from Patna to remote areas.
Jaiswal has repeatedly underscored the government’s commitment to quality and timely delivery, warning contractors against delays and pushing for strict adherence to timelines. The department is also advancing ambitious plans, including five new expressways (such as Patna-Purnia, Gorakhpur-Siliguri, and others), high-speed corridors like the proposed 250 km Pashupatinath-Baidyanath link passing through Bihar, and multiple greenfield alignments. Recent budget allocations exceeding Rs 74,000 crore for 2026-27 reflect the scale of this infrastructure drive, with funds earmarked for bridges, elevated corridors, and state highways.
Also Read: National highways to avoid toll plazas near cities, industrial towns
Local residents and transporters are already noticing improvements on upgraded sections, with fewer delays and better safety. As more four-laned stretches open and expressway projects gain momentum, Bihar is steadily positioning itself as a better-connected hub in eastern India, aligning with long-term goals under initiatives like Saat Nishchay. The minister’s emphasis on these achievements signals continued momentum in turning Bihar’s roads into a modern, reliable network.
