Land Acquisition Begins for Rs 180 Billion Bihar Expressway

25 Jul 2025 CW Team

The Revenue and Land Reforms Department of Bihar has commenced land acquisition across six districts—Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura, and Purnia—for the Patna–Purnia Greenfield Expressway project, according to the Times of India.

This follows official approval and a directive from Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar Singh, instructing district magistrates to begin preliminary notifications in consultation with the Central Valuation Committee.

Designed to reduce the travel time between Patna and Purnia from over seven hours to just three to four hours, the expressway will be 90 metres wide and extend to Chandbhatti village along the Purnia–Kishanganj NH-27. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 180.42 billion.

An official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed that district authorities have been instructed to undertake revised land valuations based on current market rates, as per Section 26(3) of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

The prohibition, excise and registration department has been empowered to conduct a special revision of the Minimum Value Registered (MVR) under Sub-rule 7 of the Bihar Stamp (Amendment) Rules, 2013.

The expressway will include 21 major bridges, 140 minor bridges, 11 railway overbridges, 21 interchanges, and 322 underpasses. Additional spur routes connecting Samastipur, Saharsa, and Madhepura to the main highway have also been approved at the state government’s request.

A speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour has been proposed for the new corridor. The route will also integrate with the Patna Ring Road at Dighwara and improve access to Bihta Airport via a new bridge between Dighwara and Sherpur. The expressway is expected to enhance future connectivity to both Darbhanga and Purnia airports.

A competent authority has already been appointed to oversee the acquisition and ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements.

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