Patna-Purnia Six-Lane Greenfield Corridor Land Acquisition Underway, Awaits Cabinet Nod
The land acquisition process for the ambitious Patna-Purnia six-lane greenfield corridor is currently in full swing, with technical formalities actively progressing across the region. This massive infrastructure project, estimated to cost around Rs 18,042 crore, spans an impressive 245 kilometers and is poised to revolutionize connectivity in north Bihar. However, a critical step remains: the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is awaiting formal approval from the state cabinet before officially commencing the project.
Project Details and Timeline
According to an NHAI official, this will be a state-of-the-art 6-lane expressway designed to dramatically reduce travel time between Patna and Purnia to just 3 hours, a significant improvement over current routes. The land acquisition work between these two key cities has already begun, and the official confirmed that the 3A gazette notification will be published shortly. This publication will enable affected individuals to file their claims, followed by a thorough inspection and scrutiny process leading to the passing of the 3D gazette.
Once the 3D gazette is approved, the compensation payment process to landowners will initiate. The official emphasized that once 80% of the required land is successfully acquired, the tender for the project will be issued. He added that completing the technical aspects of the project is expected to take approximately one month, setting the stage for subsequent phases.
Strategic Importance and Designation
This greenfield corridor is set to become an economic lifeline for the region, aiming to transform both travel and trade dynamics across north Bihar. The government has outlined an ambitious plan to complete the bidding and tendering process for all packages of the expressway by the end of 2026. This timeline is strategically designed to facilitate the initiation of construction activities by early 2027, ensuring timely progress.
In a significant development, the central government's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has officially declared this project as National Expressway-9 (NE-9) through a formal notification. This designation marks a historic milestone as it will be Bihar's first expressway constructed entirely within the state's boundaries, symbolizing a new era in regional infrastructure development.
Route and Infrastructure Components
The expressway will originate from NH-22 at Meernagar Arezi in Hajipur and traverse through several key locations including Narharpur, Harlochanpur, Bajidpur, Saronja, Rasna, Parora, and Fatehpur before ultimately connecting with NH-27 (the East-West Corridor) at Hansdah in Purnia district. This carefully planned route is designed to optimize connectivity and accessibility.
The project's scope includes extensive infrastructure elements such as:
- 21 major bridges
- 140 minor bridges
- 11 railway overbridges
- 21 interchanges
- 322 underpasses
Additionally, separate link roads will be constructed to connect the district headquarters of Samastipur, Saharsa, and Madhepura, thereby significantly strengthening regional connectivity and integration.
Current Progress and Broader Impact
The land acquisition process is advancing rapidly across more than 250 villages located in 29 blocks spread over 6 districts, demonstrating the project's extensive geographical footprint. Construction work will commence immediately upon the completion of the land acquisition process, ensuring no unnecessary delays.
Beyond facilitating smoother and faster traffic movement, this expressway is expected to generate substantial new employment opportunities throughout the region, boosting local economies and livelihoods. Moreover, the project stands as a powerful symbol of cooperation between the state and central governments, highlighting collaborative efforts in advancing critical infrastructure development. This decision is anticipated to provide a transformative new direction for Bihar's road infrastructure and regional connectivity, laying a strong foundation for future growth and prosperity.
