The project, estimated at Rs 59.96 billion, is divided into four phases and is slated for completion by 2027. The first phase, a 38.81 km stretch from Bakarpur in Vaishali to Manikpur in Muzaffarpur, began construction last year.

“While the agency for the second phase has been selected, tenders for the remaining phases are currently being floated,” an NHAI official stated. The total length of the expressway will span 163.68 km, significantly improving connectivity. Currently, the distance between Patna and Bettiah is 205 km.

The expressway will begin at Bakarpur in Vaishali and will connect to Patna through the JP Setu Bridge over the Ganga River in Digha. Approximately 145 km of the route will follow a greenfield corridor, running along the Bakarpur-Manikpur-Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section of NH-139 (W).

The second phase, which covers a 44.65 km stretch from Manikpur to Sahebganj, will commence after the selection of the construction agency. The third and fourth phases, from Sahebganj to Areraj and Areraj to Bettiah, will follow shortly after.