New Delhi, August 19: In a significant move, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the upgrade of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of National Highway-22 (NH-22) to a four-lane standard.
Prime Minister Modi shared this update on the social media platform X, emphasizing that enhancing connectivity is crucial for the comprehensive development of Bihar. He stated, “Today, our government has granted approval for the construction of a four-lane road on the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22. This project will serve as a lifeline for the entire state, marking a new chapter in progress. It will save travel time and boost economic activities and tourism.”
The project will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), with a total capital cost of ₹3,590.73 crores and a length of 82.578 kilometers.
This proposed project holds significant strategic and economic importance due to its integration with Bihar’s extended national highway network. It will connect the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa to economic hubs like Muzaffarpur, acting as a major feeder corridor along NH-27 (East-West Corridor). The project is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in densely populated areas such as Muzaffarpur, Mukundpur, Runnisaidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi, and Sonbarsa.
The initiative aims to facilitate faster and safer movement of passengers and goods, improving travel efficiency and strengthening regional connectivity. It is designed for average speeds of 100 km/h and 80 km/h, ensuring a smooth journey with no open crossings in the median divider.
In alignment with the principles of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, this project will enhance multimodal integration by improving connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics centers, including industrial areas and major railway stations. Enhanced connectivity will streamline the movement of goods and agricultural supply chains, support regional economic development, and provide better access to significant cultural and religious sites, such as the Buddhist circuit and the historic Janaki Punaura Dham temple in Sitamarhi.
The Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 is strategically and economically vital, ensuring seamless connectivity to the national freight grid. It will establish better links with existing corridors like NH-31 and NH-122, connecting industrial areas such as Barauni and logistics hubs along the Ganges River. Additionally, it will promote cross-border passenger and freight movement through the nearby land port at Bhitmor.
Furthermore, the project includes provisions for maintaining smooth traffic flow and ensuring safe, high-speed travel, featuring seven major bridges (including a 340-meter-long bridge over the perennial Bagmati River), three railway overbridges (ROBs), and two flyovers (1170 meters and 270 meters).
This initiative is expected to enhance average travel speeds, reduce travel times, and improve overall road safety, fuel efficiency, and operational costs for vehicles. It will promote regional mobility and socio-economic development.
The project will provide seamless connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics centers in Bihar. Additionally, the upgraded corridor will improve connectivity to five economic centers under the PM Gati Shakti initiative (four industrial estates and one mega food park), four social centers (Baba Garibnath Temple, Mata Janaki Temple, Punaura Dham, Muzaffarpur, and Sitamarhi aspirational districts), and two logistics centers (Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi railway stations), facilitating the swift movement of goods and passengers across the region.
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