Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday inaugurated the Bhupatipur–Punpun section of the Mithapur–Mahuli–Punpun corridor, part of National Highway 22. The new road link, constructed by infrastructure major Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, drastically reduces travel time from nearly one hour to just ten minutes, benefiting hundreds of thousands of daily commuters in the region.The completed section comprises a 5-kilometre elevated four-lane corridor, 10 kilometres of at-grade four-lane road, and a 1-kilometre ramp, all designed to support travel speeds of up to 100 km/h, enhancing both speed and safety for motorists.Phase II of this major infrastructure development was completed in just 19 months, ahead of the planned 24-month schedule—an achievement that highlights the project's executional efficiency. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin, and several senior officials and dignitaries.The project connects key localities—Bhupatipur/Sipara, Mahuli, and Punpun—and is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity. It supports smoother travel for both urban and semi-urban populations in the Patna district and surrounding areas.Execution of the project involved complex logistical and engineering challenges. Notably, construction continued amid live traffic with limited diversion options. A total of 1,764 precast segments were erected to form 112 spans along the elevated route. Additional challenges included widening the existing road from 7 to 17 metres, resettlement of affected households, and construction in densely populated zones.In particular, for the Bhupatipur Up Ramp—an especially congested area—an innovative engineering approach was employed. This involved splice girders and a monopole jack stressing technique, which enabled the team to maintain project timelines while ensuring structural integrity.This key project is part of Bihar’s ongoing efforts to modernise road infrastructure, reduce urban traffic stress, and support economic growth through enhanced mobility. With the new NH-22 section now operational, residents and commuters can expect quicker, safer, and more reliable travel between key southern stretches of Patna and beyond.