Bihar Speeds Up Two Major Highway Projects to Boost Religious Travel and Nalanda Access

Bihar | 30 January 2026 The Bihar government has stepped up efforts to fast-track two important national highway projects aimed at improving road connectivity and supporting religious tourism. Officials have directed district magistrates in the concerned districts to speed up land acquisition and ensure that at least 90% of the required land is secured. This is necessary so that the detailed project reports (DPRs) can be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval at the earliest. The road construction department (RCD) is pushing to begin work on these projects from the next financial year. The two highways — Masrakh–Chapra–Chakiya–Bhithamore (NH-227 and 227A) and Arwal–Jehanabad–Bihar Sharif (NH-110) — together involve an investment of nearly ₹13,000 crore. Officials say these roads are important not only for smoother travel but also because they pass through areas of strong religious and spiritual importance. The Masrakh–Chakiya–Bhithamore stretch, which is 145 km long, is part of the Ram Janki Circuit. It passes through Siwan, Masrakh, Chakiya and Sitamarhi before reaching Bhithamore on the India–Nepal border. The state government is keen to complete this project quickly, as it could also have political significance ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. The second project, the 89-km-long Arwal–Jehanabad–Bihar Sharif four-lane highway, is expected to greatly improve connectivity between Nalanda and Patna. This corridor will benefit nearly 10 lakh people across three districts by reducing travel time and encouraging economic activity. Due to its importance, the chief minister’s office is closely tracking the progress of land acquisition for this road. Recently, development commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh reviewed national highway projects planned for 2025–26 during a meeting at the RCD conference room. The review covered 52 projects worth ₹33,464 crore, including major works such as the Anisabad–AIIMS elevated corridor, Vikramshila Setu, the Aurangabad four-lane bypass and the Singheshwar bypass. Of these, 36 DPRs are being prepared by the national highways wing, 14 by BRPNNL and two by BSRDCL. Singh expressed concern over delays and asked officials to complete DPRs within two months. “Once the Union Cabinet clears them, central funding will start flowing,” a senior officer quoted him as saying. Earlier, on January 22, RCD secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal had also reviewed the same projects and stressed the importance of timely and high-quality DPR preparation. He instructed consultants and engineers to report any problems immediately so they could be resolved at the highest level. With land acquisition and planning now under strict monitoring, the department is confident that both key highways will see construction begin in the coming financial year, giving a strong push to Bihar’s road infrastructure and overall Bihar Pushes Two Big Highway Projects to Strengthen Religious Routes and Nalanda Connectivity The Bihar government has decided to fast-track two major national highway projects that are seen as crucial for better travel and regional growth. Officials have asked district magistrates to speed up land acquisition and ensure that at least 90% of the required land is secured. This step is important so that the detailed project reports (DPRs) can be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval without delay. The road construction department is aiming to start work on both projects from the next financial year. The two highways — Masrakh–Chapra–Chakiya–Bhithamore (NH-227 and 227A) and Arwal–Jehanabad–Bihar Sharif (NH-110) together involve an investment of around ₹13,000 crore. Officials say these roads are important not only for smoother connectivity but also because they pass through areas linked with faith and history. The 145-km Masrakh–Chakiya–Bhithamore stretch is part of the Ram Janki Circuit and connects several districts before reaching the India–Nepal border. The state government is keen to complete this project quickly due to its cultural and political importance. The second project, the 89-km Arwal–Jehanabad–Bihar Sharif four-lane road, is expected to improve travel between Nalanda and Patna. This corridor will make daily travel easier for nearly 10 lakh people and is likely to boost trade and local business. Because of its importance, the chief minister’s office is closely watching the progress of land acquisition and planning for this highway. Recently, development commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh reviewed national highway projects planned for 2025–26 and expressed concern over delays in finalising DPRs. He directed officials to complete the reports within two months so approvals can move faster. “Once the Union Cabinet clears them, central funding will start flowing,” a senior officer quoted him as saying. With close monitoring and faster decision-making, the government is confident that both highway projects will begin soon and give a strong push to Bihar’s infrastructure growth.