Bihar is on the cusp of a historic leap in connectivity, with the state government and the Centre green-lighting a series of ambitious road projects. This comprehensive plan includes the development of Bihar's first six-lane national highway and four new expressway projects, aiming to drastically cut travel times and fuel economic growth across the region.
Flagship Highway Projects Nearing Completion
Officials from the road construction department have confirmed that several key projects are in their final stages. The most prominent among them is the Varanasi-Aurangabad six-lane national highway project, which is now in its final phase and is expected to be fully operational by 2026. This artery is set to significantly ease travel between Bihar and Delhi via Uttar Pradesh.
Another critical six-lane stretch, the Aurangabad-Chorda road, is also nearing completion. This route will enhance connectivity with neighboring states like Jharkhand and West Bengal. Furthermore, Bihar's first access-controlled highway on the Amas-Darbhanga route is scheduled for completion in the same year, 2026.
A Wave of Expressways and Key Corridors
The central government has granted expressway status to the Patna-Purnia road, and work on this landmark project, Bihar's first expressway, is expected to begin soon after financial approvals are secured. The new year is also likely to see the commencement of expressway and access-controlled highway construction on several other vital routes:
- Gorakhpur-Siliguri
- Raxaul-Haldia
- Buxar-Bhagalpur
- Patna-Ara-Sasaram
In the immediate term, work on the Chakia-Bairgania and Parsarma-Saharsa-Mahishi two-lane road projects is expected to be wrapped up within this year itself.
Enhanced Local Connectivity and Future Plans
The benefits will also be felt at the local level. An official highlighted that in the Patna-Bettiah section, work on the Sonepur-Bakarpur-Manikpur stretch will be completed. This will facilitate easier travel from Patna AIIMS via J P Ganga Path to Sonepur and Bakarpur.
Looking ahead to 2026, several major state highway projects are slated to begin. These include the Varanasi–Kolkata route, a new alignment through Rohtas's protected forest with a bridge over the Sone river, the Bhagalpur-Hansdiha four-lane, and the Patna-Aurangabad road with Arwal and Daudnagar bypasses.
With financial backing from institutions, the state will also initiate work on projects like marine drives in Bhagalpur and Munger, a new road overbridge in Samastipur, a two-lane bridge over the Budhi Gandak, widening of the Darbhanga-Jaynagar road to four lanes, the Mokama-Munger four-lane road, and a bridge over the Gandak river.
Officials assert that the completion and launch of this extensive network of projects will revolutionize road transport in Bihar, making journeys faster, safer, and more efficient, thereby providing a substantial boost to trade and commerce.
