The Centre asked the Bihar government to prepare the DPR of two E-ways.

Patna, June 12, 2024: Following the formation of the new Narendra Modi government at the Centre, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways has directed the Bihar government to immediately prepare and submit the Detailed Project reports (DPRs) for the Raxaul—Haldia and Gorakhpur—Kishanganj—Silguri expressway projects.

The expressway projects were pending at the centre for many years:

Both expressway projects have been pending for several years, and the move is being seen as a major infrastructure push for Bihar, a state that played a significant role in the NDA’s return to power at the Centre.

Deputy Chief Minister and Road Construction Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said that the construction of these high-speed corridors would accelerate development in Bihar and contribute to the national vision of a “Vikshit Bharat 2047.”

“The construction of these expressways will boost economic growth across several districts of Bihar and help realize the goal of a developed India,” said Vijay Kumar Sinha.

He confirmed that the Union Minister has instructed the state to fast-track the DPR preparation for both projects.

“The central ministry has set a target to begin construction on 100 km stretches of both expressways within this financial year. Although the DPRs were initially being prepared under the Bharatmala project, they had been on hold for several years,” Sinha added.

Key features of the two expressways:

Under Bharatmala Project Phase-2, the Centre has approved 5,077 km of new expressways nationwide, including both the major corridors passing through Bihar.

Raxaul—Haldia Expressway—Length-719 km, States covered-Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Districts in Bihar—East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Jamui, and Banka.

Gorakhpur—Kishanganj—Siliguri Expressway: Length-521 km, Route- Starts from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, traverses North Bihar, and connects to Siliguri in West Bengal. Districts in Bihar-West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Purnea, and Kishanganj. Connectivity—Will link directly with the Gorakhpur—Panipat expressway, improving interstate logistics.

Vijay Kumar Sinha emphasized that these expressways are not only vital for economic growth but also strategically important for national connectivity and security.

“The regions through which these corridors will pass have immense potential for development. Many of these districts are among Bihar’s most backward areas. The completion of these projects will transform the state’s infrastructure and economy,” he said.

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EOM.