New Delhi, Aug 19: The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹3,590.73-crore project to four-lane the 82.58-km Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa stretch of NH-22, marking a major step towards improving connectivity across northern Bihar and strengthening links with Nepal.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The upgraded corridor will connect Sonbarsa on the India-Nepal border with Muzaffarpur, where it links with NH-27. The project is expected to ease congestion in densely populated areas, improve road safety and make the movement of passengers and goods faster and more reliable.
For people living along the route, the project could bring more convenient access to markets, railway stations, healthcare, education and employment opportunities. Farmers and local businesses are also expected to benefit from smoother movement of agricultural produce and other goods.
The project will include seven major bridges, three railway overbridges and two flyovers, along with other infrastructure designed to improve traffic flow. It is being developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode and aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
The improved highway is also expected to strengthen access to industrial and logistics hubs and facilitate passenger and cargo movement through the nearby Bhithamore Land Port. Better connectivity could support trade between India and Nepal while opening up fresh economic opportunities for communities across the region.
The corridor will additionally improve access to important religious and cultural destinations, including Punaura Dham and Baba Garibnath Temple, supporting tourism and pilgrimage-related travel.
Overall, the investment is aimed at creating a more efficient transport network while making everyday journeys easier for residents and improving the movement of goods. For northern Bihar, the project represents a stronger road link between communities, markets, economic centres and the international border.