Cabinet approves Construction of 4-lane Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah (78.942 km) section of NH-139W in Bihar worth Rs.3,822.31 crore

Major Infrastructure Leap for Bihar! The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 4-lane greenfield highway on the Sahebganj–Areraj–Bettiah section of NH-139W, under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). The project spans 78.942 km and carries a capital investment of ₹3,822.31 crore.

Key Features of the Project:
- Connectivity Boost: Links Patna to Bettiah, improving access across seven North Bihar districts—Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, and West Champaran.
- Strategic Reach: Extends up to the Indo-Nepal border, enhancing cross-border trade and logistics.
- Speed & Efficiency:
- Designed for 100 km/h, with average speeds of 80 km/h.
- Reduces travel time from 2.5 hours to just 1 hour.

Economic & Cultural Impact:
- Employment Generation: Expected to create 14.22 lakh man-days of direct and 17.69 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
- Tourism Development: Strengthens the Buddhist tourism circuit, connecting sites like:
- Kesariya Buddha Stupa (Sahebganj)
- Someshwarnath Mandir (Areraj)
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa & Jain Mandir (Vaishali)
- Mahavir Temple (Patna)

Integration with National Highways:
- Seamless links to NH-31, NH-722, NH-727, NH-27, and NH-227A, easing congestion and improving geometric efficiency.

This project isn’t just about laying asphalt—it’s about laying the foundation for economic transformation, cultural revitalization, and regional empowerment.