Road and highway projects gain momentum in Bihar; Dilip Jaiswal inaugurated the strengthening work of a 4-lane road in Araria.

Patna, April 3, 2026: Bihar Road Construction Minister Dilip Jaiswal on Friday inaugurated the highway strengthening projects connecting Jayanagar to Ghurana up to the India—Nepal border via Narpatganj under the Araria Road Division.

The project spans a total length of 35.770 kilometers and is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in the border region. During the inauguration, the Minister directed the implementing agency and engineers to ensure high construction quality and the timely completion of the work.

 Highlighting the importance of the project, Jaiswal stated that it would serve as a milestone in improving transportation infrastructure, facilitating smoother movement, and accelerating overall development in the region.

During his visit, the Minister also conducted a site inspection and reviewed the progress of the ongoing work.

 He issued specific instructions to officials to maintain strict quality standards throughout the execution of the project.

 Several public representatives were present on the occasion, including MP Pradeep Kumar Singh, MLA Devanti Yadav, and District Council Chairperson Aftab Azeem, along with other dignitaries.

 The project is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, particularly in areas close to the international border, and boost economic and developmental activities.

Major National Highway passing through Araria:

Notably, National Highway 27, a key East-West corridor, passes through the Araria region, connecting it to major nearby areas such as Purnea, Forbesganj, and Narpatganj. A significant portion of this highway is four-lane and serves as a crucial lifeline for transportation in the district.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing infrastructure and accelerating development across Bihar.

Upgradation of Highway in Hajipur:

In addition to the Araria road project, officials from the Road Construction Department informed that work is underway on the construction and upgradation of a two-lane road connecting the National Highway-22 junction near Hajipur to the National Highway-122 junction at Bachhwara via Mahnar and Mohiuddin Nagar.

The total length of this project is 27.73 kilometers.

This project is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity and ease transportation between key districts, particularly benefiting commuters and trade routes in central Bihar.

National Highway 22 is a crucial arterial route spanning approximately 450 kilometers across Bihar and Jharkhand.

 It connects Sonbarsa near the Nepal border in Sitamarhi district to Lohardaga in Jharkhand, passing through major hubs such as Hajipur and Patna.

Boost for industries:

The highway plays a vital role in commercial and industrial connectivity, linking key areas like the Hajipur Industrial Area and Paltiputra Industrial Area.

 A prominent stretch between Hajipur and Mizaffarpur—measuring about 63.17 km—has already been developed into a four-lane corridor, facilitating smoother and faster movement of goods and passengers.

 To further ease congestion, infrastructure upgrades are also underway, including the development of a 17-kilometer ring road connecting Madhaul on NH-22 to the Darbhanga Highway.

Additionally, improvements are being carried out on certain stretches near Hajipur to convert them into two-lane roads with paved shoulders, enhancing both safety and capacity.

 The National Highway-22 corridor also connects to other important routes such as the Patna—Gaya—Dobhi stretch and links with NH-122B (from Jadhua near Hajipur to Bachhwara), further strengthening the state’s road network.

Officials emphasized that these projects collectively aim to boost economic activity, improve logistics efficiency, and provide safer, more efficient transportation for the public.

90% construction of the Chhapra-Hajipur road is completed:

Hajipur from the Road Construction Department further informed that more than 90% of the work has been completed on the four-lane road project along the Chhapra—Hajipur section of National Highway 31.

The project spans approximately 66.7 kilometers and has been undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 812.5 crore. Once completed, it is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across North Bihar.

 This four-lane corridor—linking Chhapra, Sonpur, and Hajipur—is being developed as a high-speed route aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing travel time. The highway will serve as a critical connector to Patna via the iconic Jayaprakash Narayan Setu.

 The project is part of the broader expansion of the NH-31 network and holds strategic importance due to increasing the operationalization of the Veer Kunwar Singh Setu.

This bridge has significantly boosted vehicular movement between regions, necessitating stronger highway infrastructure.

 Officials noted that the upgraded highway will not only facilitate smoother connectivity between Chhapra and the Patna—Hajipur region but also support economic growth by improving the movement of goods and passengers.

 Looking ahead, infrastructure planning is also underway for a proposed 132-kilometer expressway that would connect Chhapra to the Purvanchal Expressway, providing faster access to Delhi and further strengthening interstate connectivity.

 The department emphasized that these large-scale infrastructure projects reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing regional development.

Danapur-Bihta elevated corridor:

Officials from the Road Construction Department also shared progress details of the ambitious Danapur—Bihta Elevated Road project along National Highway 922, describing it as a key initiative to transform connectivity in and around Patna.

 The approximately 25-kilometer-long elevated corridor—considered a flagship project of the Nitish Kumar government—is being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 3,131 crore, with nearly Rs 1,969 crore allocated specifically for the elevated stretch.

Designed as a four-lane elevated roadway along with service roads and modern infrastructure, the project aims to significantly reduce congestion and travel time between Patna and its western regions.

It will provide seamless connectivity to the proposed civil enclave at Bihta Air Force Station and the upcoming airport.

The corridor will also improve access to premier institutions such as IIT Patna and NIT Patna (Bihta campus), while strengthening the broader Patna-Buxar connectivity corridor.

 Once completed—now targeted for mid-2027 as per revised timelines by the NHAI—it is expected to be among the longest elevated roads in the region.

Other key road projects in progress:

In addition to the elevated corridor, several other important infrastructure works are currently underway across Bihar.

Bakhtiyarpur—Barh—Mokama Road (NH-31 link):

Widening and strengthening work is in progress to improve connectivity along this crucial stretch, enhancing traffic flow in eastern Bihar.

Chausa—Buxar bypass (Package-2):

Being constructed in the Buxar district, this four-lane bypass aims to decongest urban traffic and streamline highway movement.

Officials emphasized that these projects collectively represent a major push toward modernizing Bihar’s road infrastructure.

Once completed, they are expected to reduce travel time, boost economic activity, and improve connectivity across key regions of the state.

Also Read: PM Narendra Modi launches major National Highway Projects in West Bengal.

EOM.