New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on 10 September approved two major infrastructure projects for Bihar, with a combined investment of Rs 7,616 crore.
The first project involves the four-laning of the Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur corridor, covering 82.4 km at a cost of Rs 4,447 crore.
Currently a two-lane stretch prone to congestion, it will be developed as an access-controlled greenfield highway with a 60-metre right of way under the Hybrid Annuity Model. The project is expected to allow average speeds of up to 80 kmph, cutting travel time by nearly an hour
The second approval is for doubling the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat railway line, spanning 177 km, at an estimated cost of Rs 3,169 crore. The line is a vital link connecting Howrah and Jamalpur, and its expansion will ease saturation on the existing route.
The project will boost connectivity across Bhagalpur and Banka districts in Bihar, Godda and Dumka in Jharkhand and Birbhum in West Bengal – with Banka, Godda and Dumka classified as aspirational districts
Once completed, the rail project is expected to handle an additional 15 million tonnes of freight annually, including fertilisers, coal, cement and stones. It will also improve access to key religious destinations such as Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham) and Tarapith (Shakti Peeth).
Together, the two projects are expected to ease travel, enhance trade, and create new opportunities for youth and the middle class in Bihar and adjoining states.
