New Delhi, July 19: The recent approval from the Central Cabinet’s Economic Affairs Committee (CCEA) for the upgrade of the Khagaria-Purnia section (NH-31 and NH-231) to a four-lane highway is poised to invigorate the economy of Bihar’s agriculture-centric regions. This information was released by the government in a fact sheet on Sunday.
The fact sheet noted that trucks loaded with bananas leave Khagaria’s fields before dawn, while Purnia, one of the largest centers for makhana production, sends its products to markets from local ponds and processing units.
Previously, traffic jams and disruptions during the rainy season often hampered the transportation of these high-value agricultural products. For perishable bananas, every hour is crucial. Improved and faster road connectivity will reduce spoilage, maintain quality, and help farmers secure better prices.
With an estimated cost of approximately ₹3,936.05 crores, this project extends beyond mere road construction. It is intricately linked to the livelihoods of millions who rely on the timely market access of agricultural products like bananas and makhana. This initiative is expected to strengthen the economic foundation of Bihar’s agricultural sector.
Eastern Bihar’s road network has long been affected by floods caused by the Kosi and Ganga river systems. Each year, flooding disrupts road connectivity, slowing the movement of people and goods.
The four-lane project will incorporate engineering solutions such as enhanced road structure, improved geometry, and modern drainage systems, ensuring smooth operation year-round.
Due to limited road access, the districts of Khagaria, Katihar, and surrounding areas have faced developmental challenges for years. Residents take significantly longer to reach administrative, educational, and economic centers compared to other parts of the state.
Once the new four-lane road is completed, travel time between major cities will be significantly reduced. Currently, journeys take 3.5 to 4 hours, but with the project’s completion, this distance will be covered in just 1.5 to 2 hours.
This corridor is not only vital for Bihar but also enhances interstate connectivity across Eastern India. The new four-lane road will strengthen Bihar’s links with West Bengal and Jharkhand via the national highway network.
The project will address the shortcomings of the existing two-lane roads in Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Katihar, and Purnia, including sharp turns and traffic congestion in urban areas.
Additionally, this corridor will provide better road connectivity to five economic nodes under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, which includes one textile cluster, two mega food parks, and two fish and seafood parks.
Furthermore, 11 major logistics nodes, including four large railway stations, one airport, four national highways, and two state highways, will be better connected through this project. This is expected to boost multimodal transport and commercial activities in the region.
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