Cabinet approves ₹3,591-crore four-laning of Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa NH-22 stretch

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the four-laning of Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar at a total capital cost of ₹3,590 crore.

The project will be developed on the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

The upgraded corridor will connect the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa with Muzaffarpur on NH-27, and is expected to ease congestion in densely populated areas including Muzaffarpur, Muksudpur, Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi and Sonbarsa.

The project has been designed for a maximum speed of 100 kmph and an average speed of 80 kmph.

It will also improve connectivity to the Bhithamore Land Port, facilitating cross-border movement of passengers and cargo between India and Nepal.

The project includes seven major bridges, including a 340-metre bridge over the perennial Bagmati River, three railway overbridges and two flyovers measuring 1,170 metres and 270 metres.

The government said the corridor has been planned in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and will improve connectivity to industrial areas, railway stations and logistics hubs.

The upgraded road is expected to facilitate the movement of goods and agricultural produce, while reducing travel time, fuel consumption and vehicle operating costs.

It will provide connectivity to five PM GatiShakti economic nodes, comprising four industrial estates and one mega food park, as well as social and logistics nodes in Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi.

The corridor will also improve access to religious and cultural destinations, including the Buddhist Circuit and Janaki Punaura Dham Temple in Sitamarhi.

The project will strengthen links with existing highways such as NH-31 and NH-122, providing connectivity to industrial areas around Barauni and riverine logistics hubs along the Ganga, the statement said.