Delhi, 24 September (H.S.): In another key decision, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the construction of a four-lane Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section of National Highway (NH)-139W in Bihar, with a total project cost of Rs. 3,822.31 crore. The highway, stretching 78.942 km, will be built under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

The project aims to enhance connectivity between Patna and Bettiah while linking several key districts of north Bihar, including Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, and both East and West Champaran. By strengthening cross-border connectivity with Nepal, it is expected to significantly boost trade, agriculture, and industrial activity in the region.

The proposed highway alignment will connect seven PM Gati Shakti economic nodes, six social nodes, eight logistics hubs, and nine major tourism and religious centers. It will also improve access to heritage and Buddhist tourism sites such as the Kesariya Buddha Stupa, Someshwarnath Temple (Areraj), Jain Mandir and Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Vaishali), and Mahavir Temple (Patna).

Designed for high-speed travel, the four-lane corridor will reduce journey time between Sahebganj and Bettiah from the current 2.5 hours to just 1 hour. Vehicles will be able to travel at an average speed of 80 km/h, improving traffic efficiency while offering safe transit for both freight and passengers.

The project is expected to generate nearly 14.22 lakh man-days of direct employment and 17.69 lakh man-days of indirect employment, creating opportunities in construction, logistics, and peripheral economic activities. Enhanced agricultural connectivity and better freight handling capacity will also spur rural and regional development.

Officials noted that the project will relieve congestion along existing routes and provide seamless links with NH-31, NH-722, NH-727, NH-27, and NH-227A, making it a crucial transportation artery for north Bihar.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar