Cabinet Approves ₹3,712 Crore Patna-Sasaram 4-Lane Highway Initiative
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Synopsis
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has approved the ₹3,712 crore Patna-Sasaram highway project. This initiative aims to create a 4-lane corridor over 120 km in Bihar, enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Cabinet approves ₹3,712 crore highway project.
- 4-lane corridor to connect Patna and Sasaram.
- Developed using Hybrid Annuity Model.
- Expected to generate 48 lakh man-days of employment.
- Improves connectivity to major transport hubs.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially sanctioned the development of a 4-lane access-controlled greenfield and brownfield corridor connecting Patna and Sasaram, which will span 120 km in Bihar.
The entire project, estimated at a total capital cost of ₹3,712.40 crore, will be executed using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), as stated in the official announcement following the CCEA meeting.
HAM is a public-private partnership (PPP) framework aimed at enhancing private sector involvement in road infrastructure initiatives. In this model, the government contributes 40 percent of the project cost as an annuity payment to the private sector developer throughout the concession duration, while the developer is responsible for the remaining 60 percent, sourced through debt or equity.
Presently, travel between Sasaram, Arrah, and Patna is dependent on existing State Highways (SH-2, SH-12, SH-81, and SH-102), which can take 3 to 4 hours due to significant traffic congestion, particularly in Arrah town. The new greenfield corridor, along with 10.6 km of enhancements to the existing brownfield highway, aims to alleviate this traffic congestion, addressing the needs of densely populated areas such as Arrah, Grahini, Piro, Bikramganj, Mokar, and Sasaram, as outlined in the statement.
The project’s route will align with major transport corridors including NH-19, NH-319, NH-922, NH-131G, and NH-120, ensuring smooth connectivity to Aurangabad, Kaimur, and Patna.
Moreover, the initiative will facilitate access to two airports (Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna and the upcoming Bihta airport), four key railway stations (Sasaram, Arrah, Danapur, Patna), and one Inland Water Terminal (Patna), significantly improving direct access to the Patna Ring Road to expedite the movement of goods and passengers.
Upon its completion, the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor is expected to be crucial for regional economic development, enhancing connectivity between Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, and Varanasi. The initiative is aligned with the government’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat, improving infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and promoting socio-economic growth in Bihar.
Furthermore, the project is projected to generate 48 lakh man-days of employment, opening new pathways for advancement and prosperity in the developing regions surrounding Patna, as highlighted in the statement.
