Bihar plans 1,300 km expressway network in next four years

Bihar is planning to develop a 1,300 km network of expressways that is likely to put the state on the path towards development and prosperity. The state’s road development department, led by the BJP’s Nitin Nabin, has begun the ambitious task of building three expressways that will link significant parts of the state and additionally render an important link to Kolkata. Nabin told the media that the Government has already approved the 310-kilometre Amas to Darbhanga (via Patna) expressway. Land procurement for this eight-lane expressway has already begun, and they will commence construction from April 2022. Permission for another expressway from Raxaul to Kolkata through Patna is pending before the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) directed by the Prime Minister. Nabin said that the Ministry of road transport and Highway (MoRTH) has already approved this mega project. Additionally, Nabin said that once the CCEA permission comes through, which they have been guaranteed will happen soon, they will elect a renowned consultant for making a detailed project report for this 640 km expressway. Nabin will ask for the MoRTH’s permission for the third expressway from Buxar to Bhagalpur with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari when he meets the latter in the first week of December. The detailed plan for the Buxar-Bhagalpur expressway has been chalked out, and its planned alignment has additionally been achieved. The Amas-Darbhanga expressway has a majorly north-south alignment and will join Amas in south Bihar near the border with Jharkhand with Darbhanga in north Bihar. It will move through Aurangabad and Muzaffarpur. This expressway will enhance the movement of agricultural produce from north to south Bihar and provide a fillip to trade in many other commodities. As this expressway will touch Patna, transportation of horticultural produce intended for exports via Patna airport will become much easier. Additionally, agricultural produce and other products will get easy market access to Patna. They have plans to install manufacturing hubs in some regions that this expressway will pass through. The Raxaul to Kolkata expressway via Patna will expedite the very swift movement of goods from North Bihar to Bengal. This expressway will be a benefit for exporters in Nepal who will have very quick access to Kolkata and Haldia ports. Presently, it takes over 24 hours to travel from Raxaul, which is located on the Indo-Nepal border, to Kolkata via National Highway 28A which is in a poor condition. The planned eight-lane expressway will reduce the journey time to only eight hours or even less. Image Source