New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the four-laning of the 82.578-km Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar.
The project will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of ₹3,590.73 crore.
The corridor will provide a key link between the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa and Muzaffarpur, connecting with NH-27. It is expected to ease congestion in Muzaffarpur, Muksudpur, Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi and Sonbarsa.
Designed for a maximum speed of 100 kmph and an average speed of 80 kmph, the upgraded highway is expected to improve travel time, road safety, fuel efficiency and vehicle operating costs.
The project will include seven major bridges, including a 340-metre bridge over the Bagmati River, three railway overbridges and two flyovers.
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the corridor will strengthen multimodal connectivity and facilitate the movement of passengers, freight and agricultural products.
It will improve access to industrial areas, railway stations and the Bhithamore Land Port, supporting cross-border passenger and cargo movement with Nepal.
The highway will also connect key economic, social and tourism destinations, including the Buddhist Circuit and Punaura Dham Temple.
The project will provide connectivity to five PM Gati Shakti economic nodes, four social nodes and two logistics nodes, including Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi railway stations, giving a major boost to regional economic development.