Vijay Sinha urges Nitin Gadkari to spur connectivity to Barahiya, Ashok Dham via NH-33 Greenfield alignment.

Patna, July 30, 2025: In a significant push for infrastructure and religious tourism in Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha met with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi, requesting the inclusion of spur connectivity to Barahiya town and Ashok Dham Temple in the Greenfield alignment of the Mokama-Munger section of NH-33 in Bihar.

Taking to social media platform X after the meeting, Sinha wrote, “Due to the lack of spur connectivity in the under-construction four-lane road parallel to NH-80, direct access to Barahiya and Ashok Dham will not be possible, creating inconvenience for local residents and pilgrims.”

Gadkari assures Vijay Sinha of swift action:

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reportedly assured that the issue will be resolved soon and the spur road proposal will be approved without further delay.

“I thank Nitin Gadkari for his constant sensitivity and commitment towards Bihar’s development,” said Sinha.

Background and project details:

The Bihar government had earlier agreed to the Greenfield alignment of the Mokama—Munger stretch of NH-33, a National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) project.

While the Alignment Approval Committee (AAC) of the Ministry cleared this alignment in meetings held on November 28 and 29, 2024, the provision for spurs to Barahiya and Ashok Dham was not included.

Vijay Sinha highlighted that Barahiya, a densely populated town in Lakhisarai district, faces frequent traffic snarls due to heavy vehicular movement on the existing NH-80 and its dilapidated condition during monsoon.

The town is also home to the revered Maa Bala Tripura Sundari Temple, which draws thousands of devotees daily.

Similarly, Ashok Dham, also known as “Chhota Deoghar,” is a prominent Shiva temple attracting pilgrims year-round. However, the lack of direct highway connectivity hampers travel and limits its potential as a major religious tourism destination.

Tourism and infrastructure vision:

“The inclusion of spur roads in the Greenfield alignment will not only ease public inconvenience but also put Ashok Dham prominently on the religious tourism map of Bihar and the region,” Vijay Sinha said.

The meeting also touched upon the progress of the Raxaul-Haldia Expressway, another vital infrastructure initiative under discussion between Nitin Gadkari and Vijay Sinha.

With Gadkari’s assurance and the Bihar government’s persistent follow-up, the state hopes to accelerate its highway network expansion and promote inclusive development that connects heritage, faith, and commerce.

Also Read: Vijay Sinha targets Congress, RJD on nepotism; reviewed sand mining auction process in Bihar.

EOM.