Did the Cabinet Approve a New 4-Lane Highway in Bihar for Rs 4,447 Crore?
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Synopsis
In a significant move for Bihar's infrastructure, the Cabinet has greenlit a massive investment to build a new 4-lane highway. This project promises to enhance connectivity, spur economic growth, and create millions of jobs, all while reducing travel time significantly. Discover how this initiative is set to transform the landscape of Bihar.
Key Takeaways
- The Cabinet has approved a new 4-lane highway in Bihar.
- The project will cost Rs 4,447 crore and span 82.4 km.
- It aims to enhance connectivity to key cities.
- The project will create millions of job opportunities.
- The highway will significantly reduce travel time.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially sanctioned the development of a new 4-lane greenfield access-controlled Mokama-Munger segment of the Buxar-Bhagalpur high-speed corridor in Bihar. This ambitious project, which will be executed under a hybrid annuity model, spans a total length of 82.4 km and entails an investment of Rs 4,447.38 crore.
This corridor will enhance connectivity to critical cities like Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, Munger, and will link to Bhagalpur.
The Munger–Jamalpur-Bhagalpur region in eastern Bihar is on track to become a vital industrial hub, focusing on sectors such as an ordinance factory (including the existing gun factory and a new one proposed under the Ordnance Factory Corridor by the Ministry of Defence), a locomotive workshop in Jamalpur, food processing (e.g., ITC in Munger), and associated logistics and warehousing.
Bhagalpur is well-known as a textile and logistics center, particularly famous for Bhagalpuri silk, while Barahiya is gaining recognition for its food packaging, processing, and agro-warehousing initiatives. The anticipated economic growth in this corridor is expected to significantly increase freight movement and traffic on the Mokama-Munger section.
The 4-lane access-controlled corridor is designed to facilitate average speeds of 80 km/h and a maximum design speed of 100 km/h. This will result in a reduction of travel time to about 1.5 hours, providing safer, faster, and uninterrupted connectivity for both passengers and freight, as stated by officials.
The project, stretching over 82.40 km, is anticipated to create approximately 14.83 lakh man-days of direct employment and 18.46 lakh man-days of indirect employment. Moreover, it is expected to spur additional job opportunities due to increased economic activities around the corridor, as per the statement.
India’s national highway system has grown from 91,000 km in 2014 to over 1.46 lakh km today, making it the second-largest road network globally, according to official statistics.
Government investment in road infrastructure has surged by 6.4 times from 2013–14 to 2024–25, with a 57 per cent increase in budget allocation for road transport and highways from 2014 to 2023–24, reflecting a robust push for infrastructure that has been pivotal for economic growth and job creation in the country.
Point of View
It is evident that the approval of this new highway by the Cabinet represents a strategic investment in Bihar's infrastructure. This development aligns with the government's vision to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth. It's a positive step forward for the region, ensuring that the benefits of infrastructure development reach all corners of the state.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the new highway project in Bihar?
The new highway project, specifically the Mokama-Munger section, has an estimated cost of Rs 4,447.38 crore.
How long is the Mokama-Munger section of the highway?
The Mokama-Munger section will stretch across a total length of 82.4 km.
What cities will the new highway connect?
The highway will provide connectivity to important cities including Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, Munger, and Bhagalpur.
How many jobs will the project generate?
The project is expected to create about 14.83 lakh man-days of direct employment and 18.46 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
What benefits does the highway offer for transportation?
The 4-lane access-controlled corridor will allow for average speeds of 80 km/h, reducing travel time to approximately 1.5 hours while ensuring safer and uninterrupted travel.
