What Did Nitish Kumar Unveil for the Salepur–Rajgir Four-Lane Highway?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Salepur–Rajgir four-lane highway aims to enhance regional connectivity.
- It will reduce travel distance from Patna to Rajgir by approximately 20 km.
- The project is expected to boost economic growth and tourism.
- A new Road Over Bridge has been inaugurated to ease local traffic.
- The Chief Minister reviewed preparations for the Asia Rugby Under-20 Championship.
Patna, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, took a significant step on Tuesday by laying the foundation stone for the Salepur–Rajgir four-lane highway. This project is pivotal for enhancing accessibility to the Buddhist tourist circuit and fostering regional development.
Additionally, he inaugurated a newly constructed Road Over Bridge (ROB) on National Highway 82, which is expected to alleviate local traffic congestion.
The event took place at Belaua village within the Silav block, where Kumar unveiled a plaque, marking the launch of the Rs 862.63 crore highway project. This vital route will connect Salepur (SH-78) to Belaua (Rajgir) through Nursarai–Ahiapur–Silav, linking significant state and national highways.
Upon completion, the highway will shorten the distance from Patna to Rajgir by roughly 20 km, improving access to the Rajgir International Stadium, Rajgir Airport, Nalanda University, and various Buddhist tourism attractions.
This four-lane road will provide direct access to SH-78, NH-33, and NH-120, stimulating both industrial and economic growth.
Later that day, Kumar also inaugurated the Rajgir Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Hasanpur village, constructed at a cost of Rs 81.37 crore.
This ROB, located at part 74 of NH-82, is situated near Sardar Patel Halt and Rajgir Campus, replacing a heavily trafficked level crossing that often caused delays.
Kumar emphasized that the ROB will greatly improve traffic flow, particularly for residents and visitors heading to the Rajgir Sports Complex, which is located just 8 km away.
The Chief Minister also toured the Rajgir International Sports Complex, assessing preparations for the forthcoming Asia Rugby Under-20 Championship.
During his visit, he interacted with athletes during their practice sessions, providing them with words of encouragement.
Concluding his trip, Kumar visited the Bhutanese Temple in Rajgir, praying for peace, prosperity, and happiness throughout the state.
Accompanying him were Water Resources cum Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, MLA Krishna Murari Sharan, former MLA E. Sunil, Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, and others.