The Ganga Path Extension corridor will be built at Rs. 6,498 crore to boost connectivity from Patna to Delhi.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, August 31, 2025: For the first time in Bihar, Vishwa Samudra Agency has been awarded the contract for the construction of the Ganga Path Extension, also known as Digha—Sherpur—Koilwar Marine Drive Extension, under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The project will cost Rs. 6,498 crore.
Adani Enterprises Limited had also participated in the tender with a bid of Rs. 6,858 crore, but it was rejected for being higher.
A total of seven agencies applied, of which five were found ineligible.
Ganga Path extension project details:
The length of the Ganga Path extension is 35.21 km, including 18 km elevated over the Ganga River and 17.65 km at-grade (ground level).
The estimated timeline for the project is to be completed in 4 years. The agency will maintain the corridor for 15 years after completion.
It will connect JP Ganga Path Extension near Digha on the eastern end and Son River bridge near Koilwar on the western end to connect with Koilwar-Buxar four-lane NH 922 and further Poorvanchal Expressway from Ghazipur to Lucknow, Lucknow-Agra Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Yamuna expressway and Noida-Greater Noida expressway to reach Delhi.
The corridor will significantly improve connectivity between North and South Bihar, linking JP Setu at Digha, Sherpur-Dighwara Setu, Koilwar Setu, Veer Kunwar Singh Ara-Chhapra Setu, Janeshwar Mishra Setu and Buxar Setu. Once completed, travel from Patna to Buxar will be possible at speeds of 100-120 km/h, enabling faster access to Ballia, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, and onward to Delhi via Puravanchal Expressway.
Local markets like Danapur and Shahpur will also get direct connectivity.
Funding model:
The Ganga Path Extension project will follow the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), with 40% of the cost will be borne by the state government during the 4-year construction period, and 60% will be invested by the agency.
After completion, the government will repay the balance with interest over 15 years.
The agency will have the right to collect tolls during this period.
Meanwhile, the Road Construction Department is also planning to expand the Didarganj-Fatuha-Bakhtiyarpur-Athmalgola stretch (41.27 km) into a four-lane highway.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already announced the extension of the JP Ganga Path to Mokama in the east and Buxar in the west.
Officials believe the HAM model will reduce financial burden on the state exchequer and allow funds to be diverted to other infrastructure projects.
Also Read: CM Nitish Kumar inaugurated final phase of Ganga Path, eases travel from Digha to Didarganj.
EOM.