The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the construction of the 4-lane Sahebganj–Areraj–Bettiah section of NH-139W in Bihar. The project, worth Rs 38.22 billion, will be executed on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and cover a total length of 78.94 km.

The greenfield highway will provide faster connectivity between Patna and Bettiah, linking several North Bihar districts including Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, and West Champaran, extending up to the Indo-Nepal border. The project aims to facilitate long-distance freight movement, improve access to agricultural and industrial hubs, and strengthen regional economic development.

It will connect seven PM Gati Shakti economic nodes, six social nodes, eight logistics nodes, and nine major tourism and religious centres. Improved access to heritage and Buddhist sites such as Kesariya Buddha Stupa, Someshwarnath Mandir, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and Mahavir Temple will enhance Bihar’s Buddhist circuit and boost international tourism.

The NH-139W will also serve as an alternative to congested existing routes by linking NH-31, NH-722, NH-727, NH-27, and NH-227A. Designed for speeds up to 100 km/h, the corridor will cut travel time between Sahebganj and Bettiah from 2.5 hours to just 1 hour, offering seamless and safer connectivity for both freight and passenger traffic.

The project is expected to generate 14.22 lakh man-days of direct employment and 17.69 lakh man-days of indirect employment, while also creating additional jobs through induced economic activity in the region.

News source: PIB