Bihar is undergoing a massive infrastructural transformation with several expressway and highway projects currently under construction. These projects aim to improve connectivity between North and South Bihar while reducing travel time between major cities by nearly half. The state government and NHAI have set strict deadlines for these projects to ensure they are completed between 2026 and 2028 to boost the state economy and ease daily commuting.
Key Expressway Projects and Expected Completion Dates
Several major projects are in various stages of construction across the state. The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway, which is Bihar first six-lane highway, is expected to reduce travel time between Varanasi and Kolkata from 14 hours to 7 hours by December 2027. The Amas-Darbhanga Expressway, Bihar first greenfield project, aims to connect North and South Bihar and reduce the Patna to Darbhanga journey to just 150 minutes by December 2026.
- Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway: Expected completion by December 2027.
- Amas-Darbhanga (NH-119D): Targeted for December 2026.
- Patna-Purnia (NE-9): Travel time to reduce to 3 hours once completed.
- JP Ganga Path Extension: Will connect Patna to Koilwar in 30 minutes within 4 years.
New Connectivity Plans and Infrastructure Budget
The Bihar government has planned five new expressways under the Saat Nishchay-3 program, including routes like Buxar-Bhagalpur and Gorakhpur-Siliguri. To support these massive projects, a budget of over 74,000 crore has been approved for the Road Construction Department for the 2026-27 period. Land acquisition processes have been accelerated through the formation of competent authorities to ensure 21 districts benefit from these new routes.
| Project Name | Expected Deadline |
|---|---|
| Amas-Darbhanga Expressway | December 2026 |
| Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway | December 2027 |
| Muzaffarpur-Barauni Highway | June 2028 |
| Khagaria-Purnia Highway | December 2028 |
