The upgrade of the Khagaria-Purnea portion of National Highways 31 and 231 in Bihar into a four-lane corridor, with an investment of ₹3,936.05 crore, has been authorised by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In order to boost economic growth, increase road safety, and improve transportation efficiency in eastern Bihar, a 143.53-km project will be created using the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) toll model.
The government claims that the route through the districts of Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur, and Khagaria will be improved by the project, which will also eliminate traffic congestion, sharp curves, and geometric inadequacies.
To alleviate congestion in metropolitan areas and improve the flow of long-distance passenger and freight vehicles, the project’s central component—a 6.73-km greenfield bypass surrounding Purnea city—will be built.
Upon completion, the enhanced corridor will supposedly cut travel time on the route in half, from three hours to one, while simultaneously increasing fuel economy and decreasing operational expenses for vehicles.
The highway is anticipated to enhance connection between the state’s key economic centers, transport hubs, and industrial clusters; it is an essential part of the Patna-Purnea corridor.
The project would link five economic nodes, including a textile cluster, two mega food parks, and two fisheries and seafood parks, and it is in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
To further facilitate the rapid transfer of both people and goods, the corridor will connect eleven logistics nodes, including four main railway stations, an airport, four federal highways, and two state highways.
The improved route would strengthen the regional transport network by connecting important corridors like as NH-27, NH-13, NH-131A, and NH-231 with State Highways 95 and 77.
The project is anticipated to have a positive impact on several major urban centers, including Purnia, Bhagalpur, Katihar, and Khagaria. It will also improve the railway stations and airport in Purnea.
An estimated 32.59 lakh person-days of direct employment and 40.55 lakh person-days of indirect employment will be created throughout the project’s construction and related operations, according to the government.
Highway improvements will improve connectivity across Bihar, reduce transportation costs, and boost trade, logistics efficiency, agricultural supply chains, and regional economic development, according to officials.
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